The Commander of the 48 Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Osei Amponsah, has defended the ongoing demolition of structures at Laboma Beach, saying property owners and operators were given prior notice to vacate the area.
According to him, the demolition forms part of broader measures to mitigate the impact of flooding across the country, following recent floods that claimed lives and destroyed properties.
Speaking in an interview, Lieutenant Colonel Osei Amponsah said authorities issued notices to residents and operators at the affected site as far back as August and gave them time to evacuate.
He said the task force also ensured that people and their belongings were removed from the area before the demolition exercise commenced.
The operation, being undertaken by soldiers from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces, is aimed at clearing structures considered illegal or obstructive along the estuary and coastline at Laboma, near the La Beach Hotel.
Lieutenant Colonel Osei Amponsah said the task force would continue implementing measures designed to reduce the risk and impact of flooding in communities across the country.
The demolition follows 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.
Among the structures affected is the popular Pink Flamingo lounge, which authorities say is located within the protected zone of the lagoon.
However, some affected residents have expressed displeasure over the exercise, claiming that about 600 people could lose their jobs as a result of the demolitions.
One resident, who said she had secured a loan to establish her business, questioned how she would repay it following the demolition.
“We have suffered for the NDC, and now that I have finally secured money to start my business, the government is demolishing it. How am I going to repay the loan I took?” she said.
The exercise forms part of a wider campaign by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and other state agencies to reclaim waterways, remove unauthorised structures and strengthen flood resilience.
Authorities are expected to continue the operation at Laboma Beach as efforts are made to restore the lagoon’s buffer zone and reduce the risk of flooding.
