Soldiers from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Military are demolishing structures at Laboma, near the La Beach Hotel, in an exercise to clear illegal structures and obstructions along the estuary and coastline.
This coms after a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) on August 7, directing residents and businesses within the designated buffer zone to vacate the area.
Structures affected by the exercise within the Laboma enclave include the popular Pink Flamingo lounge, which authorities say sits within the lagoon’s protected zone.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, who inspected the area earlier, said the government would proceed with demolishing structures whose occupants failed to comply with the eviction notice.
She disclosed that some developers had previously been told to stop construction but went ahead regardless.
“Some of the buildings here, when they were at their early stage, we asked the owners not to continue, but they still went ahead,” she said, questioning whether some of the encroachers held the necessary permits.
In a post on Facebook, the minister urged affected residents to cooperate with the team undertaking the exercise.
“These interventions are necessary to protect lives, property and communities as we work proactively to mitigate flooding in the near future.
“I urge all affected residents and stakeholders to cooperate with the exercise as we take decisive steps towards building safer and more resilient communities across Greater Accra,” she said.
The exercise is part of a wider campaign by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and other state agencies to reclaim waterways, clear unauthorised structures and strengthen flood resilience across the region.
Authorities are expected to continue the exercise at Laboma Beach as they work to restore the lagoon’s buffer zone.
