Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate, declared on Saturday that his administration would rebuild the La Pleasure Beach economy and grant leases to businesses operating there if he wins the October 2026 election.
In a statement released on October 3, Bawumia criticised the recent demolition of beachfront structures, arguing that movable assets belonging to owners were also destroyed during the exercise. He described La Pleasure Beach as a vital social, economic, cultural and international asset that sustains thousands of livelihoods, especially among the youth.
The candidate said his government would redesign the beachfront to meet required standards, support operators, and create an arrangement that allows smaller businesses to coexist with the Labadi Beach Hotel and other establishments. He pledged to issue leases to individual operators and to engage owners of Laboma Beach to resolve concerns, help them establish businesses and ensure compliance with the law.
Addressing flooding and environmental issues around the lagoon, Bawumia added that his plans would develop the area and protect the livelihoods supported by the beach economy. He highlighted La Pleasure Beach’s role in hosting international functions and activities linked to the Year of Return, stating,
"I am committed to save the thousands of jobs that beach economy supports and to improve them,"he said.
SSNIT has defended the demolitions, citing risks to hotel investments, but Bawumia’s promise signals a shift toward a more inclusive approach to beachfront development. The next steps will involve detailed consultations with stakeholders and the formulation of a lease framework before the election campaign intensifies.
