David Boakye has questioned how the demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach in Accra could have taken place without the knowledge of Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Boakye raised concerns about the MP’s claim that she was not informed before the demolition, which took place on October 2, 2026. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, he questioned how an operation of that scale could be carried out within her constituency without her having prior knowledge of it.
He argued that the MP’s position as a constituency representative and a deputy minister responsible for local government matters made her claim particularly worthy of scrutiny.
The comments have added to the public debate surrounding the demolition, which affected businesses and vendors operating at La Pleasure Beach and the nearby Polo Beach Club.
Sowah had reportedly expressed disappointment over the exercise, insisting that she, the municipal assembly and traditional authorities had not been informed before the operation was carried out.
The MP also indicated that she had previously received assurances from the government that the area would be spared from the demolition. Her comments raised questions about the communication between government officials and the authorities responsible for activities within the constituency.
The demolition has generated concerns among people whose businesses were affected, with questions being raised about the financial consequences for vendors and other operators who depended on the beach area for their livelihoods.
For many affected businesses, demolition exercises can result in the loss of property, equipment and income, particularly when operators have limited time to prepare for an impending clearance.
Boakye, however, challenged the circumstances surrounding the operation and questioned the plausibility of the MP’s position. He also criticised her public response, suggesting that her statements were intended to gain sympathy from constituents.
His remarks have brought the focus beyond the demolition itself to the question of whether the relevant political and local government authorities had adequate information about the exercise before it began.
The incident has renewed discussions about consultation, coordination and accountability in demolition exercises, especially when they affect commercial activities and the livelihoods of people operating in public spaces.
It has also highlighted the importance of clear communication between central government agencies, municipal assemblies, traditional authorities and elected representatives when major operations are planned.
While Boakye has questioned the MP’s claim, the available reports do not independently establish whether she was formally notified before the demolition. The differing positions therefore leave questions about the planning and communication surrounding the exercise.
The controversy is likely to keep attention on the authorities involved, as affected businesses and members of the public seek clarity on the circumstances that led to the demolition at La Pleasure Beach.
Source: Thepressradio.com
