'We are deeply disappointed' – Laboma Beach Resort Director reacts to demolition

The Director of Laboma Beach Resort, Daniel Okpoti, has expressed dissatisfaction over the ongoing demolition of structures at the Laboma beachfront enclave in Accra, warning that the exercise could affect the livelihoods of about 3,000 people employed by businesses in the area. Speaking with journalists on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Okpoti expressed particular concern about the fate of workers whose jobs depend on hospitality and related businesses operating at the site. PHOTOS: See the aerial view of demolished illegal structures along Laboma Beach He also questioned why Ghanaians are often frustrated when they attempt to build businesses and undertake significant investments, describing the development as a blow to local enterprises and livelihoods. “We are deeply disappointed with what is happening because this is not what we were told. The water does not affect this particular side, yet the demolition has taken place here. People have made significant investments in this area, and it feels as though the Ghanaians are constantly hindered whenever they are about to rise,” he said. Okpoti also disputed aspects of the demolition exercise, accusing authorities of exceeding the boundaries that the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, had indicated during a visit. Watch as demolitions begin at Laboma Beach He argued that water from the Kpeshie Lagoon does not flow through the specific section where some businesses are located and questioned the rationale for demolishing structures in the area. “This very morning, the Regional Minister confirmed that the site of the demolition exercise was not supposed to be touched. Yet, look at what is being done; it is very bad,” he said. “...We have created employment opportunities, and now the business has been collapsed. Over 3,000 people have been employed here, and many innocent individuals have invested heavily. And still, this is the outcome,” Okpoti added. Demolition exercise The demolition exercise, led by the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces under the Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force, began in the early hours of Sunday. It targets structures identified as occupying the protected buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon in the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality. Authorities say the action follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) around August 7, 2026. The notice required operators to vacate or remove unauthorised developments that officials say are contributing to lagoon siltation and increasing flooding risks in Greater Accra. Among the facilities affected is the Pink Flamingo Lounge, along with other beachfront clubs, eateries and hospitality structures. Officials from the task force, including the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah, have emphasised that the operation is limited to marked illegal structures obstructing waterways. They said the exercise forms part of broader efforts to restore natural drainage channels, desilt water bodies and mitigate flooding following heavy rains earlier in the year. The officials have also stated that adequate prior notice was given to affected operators. Business owners and residents were seen packing their belongings as the demolition proceeded. Authorities maintain that the clearance is necessary to reclaim the lagoon’s buffer zone and protect surrounding communities from recurrent flooding, while clarifying that not all structures in the broader Laboma area are being targeted. The exercise forms part of the government’s post-flood mitigation programme aimed at restoring critical waterways across the Greater Accra Region. Watch his remarks here. "We're very disappointed about what's going on." - Director of Laboma Beach Resort, Daniel Okpoti, reacts to the ongoing demolition at the venue, expressing concern over the fate of the 3,000 people they employ.#Laboma #GhanaNews #CitiFM #ChannelOneTV pic.twitter.com/CS75mI79BD — CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) September 13, 2026 VKB/MA “I’m a Single Mother, I Sell Pure Water to Care for Him” – Woman Cries Over Son’s School Placement Source: GhanaWeb (https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/We-are-deeply-disappointed-Laboma-Beach-Resort-Director-reacts-to-demolition-2052118)