The Member of Parliament (MP) for La-Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has no hand in the demolition exercise carried out at the La Pleasure Beach.

According to her, the party was neither informed nor involved in the decision to demolish structures at the beach, saying the development came as a surprise to the party.

Speaking at a press conference, she said, “The NDC is not aware of this, is not part of this, that they are going to demolish the Pleasure Beach.”

She explained that the party had conducted checks prior to the exercise and was informed that the Pleasure Beach was not part of the demolition exercise being undertaken by the Labadi Beach Hotel.

Hon. Odoley Sowah further stated that the exercise, which she said involved the Labadi Beach Hotel and National Security, should have been preceded by proper engagement with the affected businesses and other stakeholders.

“I want to say the harm has been caused, and I want to use this medium to appeal to whoever had businesses there,” she said.

The MP expressed concern that the affected business owners were not given adequate notice to remove their belongings before the demolition.

According to her, “We should have been informed at least; the people could have taken out their things and whatever exercise they wanted to carry out.”

She assured the affected persons that the NDC would engage them and provide clarity on developments following discussions with the relevant authorities.

The MP also announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting expected to involve the traditional authorities, the NDC, Labadi Beach Hotel, the affected operators and other relevant stakeholders.

“Hopefully next week, we are going to have a stakeholders’ meeting to ensure that our chiefs are part of it, we are also part of it, Labadi Beach Hotel and all others who are supposed to be involved will be involved,” she said.

She said the meeting would provide an opportunity for the parties to discuss the demolition and agree on the way forward.