Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Freddie Blay says President John Dramani Mahama should clarify whether he was aware of the directive that led to the demolition of the Polo Beach Club at La Beach in Accra.
Mr Blay said the facility was not a political establishment and questioned why its demolition should be allowed to proceed without accountability for the financial implications.
“Polo Club is for Ghanaians and not politicians; even the NDC General Secretary and other members come to enjoy there,” he said on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen.
He argued that the beachfront has developed into a thriving tourism and commercial hub, particularly during festive periods, with businesses attracting large numbers of patrons.
“It has been developing into a kind of ecosystem and an economy. It is a well-organised place, especially during the festive season; they rake in millions. It’s a whole tourism economy. It’s a different product from what the hotels offer,” he said.
Mr Blay also raised concerns about the cost of the demolition, alleging that it had resulted in significant financial loss to the state.
“This is causing financial loss to the state. The board that authorised this reckless demolition should be made to pay for it. The demolition cost about $10 million,” he alleged.
He therefore urged the President to state whether he knew about the order and, if so, take responsibility for the decision.
“Mahama should come out and say he didn’t know about the order that was given. It’s a very wrong and unfortunate decision they took, and I still blame the President for not taking action on the decision,” he said.
Mr Blay maintained that the demolition could hurt the hospitality and tourism sector and described the decision as a disservice to the country.
