Business owners and residents at the Laboma Beach Resort are scrambling to pack up furniture, personal belongings and business inventory as demolition crews work through the site, following a 21‑day ultimatum issued by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council on August 7.
The directive, aimed at reclaiming the lagoon’s protected buffer zone, has forced occupants to remove structures and contents before the exercise reaches their locations. The atmosphere at the resort has been tense, with many trying to salvage what they can before authorities clear the area.
According to officials, the demolition is intended to remove unauthorised structures and address flooding concerns affecting parts of the Greater Accra Region. However, several business owners have voiced frustration, noting that they have invested heavily in their ventures and now face the risk of losing their livelihoods.
Daniel M. K. Okpoti, the Director of Laboma, has appealed to the government to halt the exercise. He described the demolition as “really disturbing” and urged authorities to consider alternative measures that would protect the businesses and the more than 3,000 people employed there.
“The demolition is really disturbing. We have provided employment for more than 3,000 people. The government should consider other ways to address concerns over the Kpeshie Lagoon without destroying businesses and livelihoods,” Okpoti said.
As the demolition continues, residents are left with little option but to evacuate and remove their belongings from affected structures. The situation remains fluid, with authorities continuing the exercise while the community seeks a resolution that balances environmental concerns with economic impact.
Stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the government will respond to the appeal and explore alternative solutions to protect the livelihoods of those in the buffer zone.
