Stan Xoese Dogbe has explained that the demolition of structures along part of the Labadi beachfront on Friday, October 2, was unrelated to the government’s ongoing efforts to prevent flooding.
Mr Dogbe said the exercise had no connection to the Taskforce’s work at areas including the Kpeshie Lagoon, East Legon Boundary Road, Oyarifa and behind Mayfair Estates, which he said were aimed at supporting efforts to prevent future floods.
According to him, Friday’s operation was carried out under National Security’s supervision at the request of the Labadi Beach Hotel.
He said the affected structures included permanent facilities such as the Polo Beach Club and other structures located along the beachfront in front of the hotel.
Mr Dogbe said the hotel had complained that the structures were affecting its operations, including the “safety, tranquillity and reputation” of the facility and the experience of visitors.
He also raised concerns about the sanitation and security implications of what he described as “unauthorised and unregulated commercial operations.”
“While the hotel will be able to explain, in more detail, the necessity for its action to reclaim its beach front, we must all be concerned about the serious sanitation issues,” he wrote.
Mr Dogbe said he had reviewed drone footage and other videos of the area before questioning whether the hotel was justified in reclaiming its beachfront.
“I have seen drone shots and other short videos. Is the Labadi Beach Hotel not right in reclaiming its beach front (I am not talking about the La Pleasure Beach, please),” he wrote.
Mr Dogbe’s comments were made in response to discussions surrounding Friday’s demolition exercise and sought to distinguish it from the government’s separate flood mitigation operations.
