The management of La Pleasure Beach has taken the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and two hotel companies to the High Court in Accra over the demolition of its management office and other structures at the beachfront.
The lawsuit, filed against Hotel Investments (Ghana) Limited, La Palm Beach Hotel Limited and SSNIT, accuses the defendants of involvement in the demolition and unlawful interference with the beach’s operations.
Stanley Anyetei Nunoo, who identifies himself as Chairman of the La Pleasure Beach Management Committee, is asking the court to confirm the committee’s authority to manage the beach and stop the defendants from interfering with its activities.
He is also seeking compensation for damaged property, lost revenue and disruption to business operations.
According to the statement of claim, security personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces arrived at the beachfront at dawn on or about October 2, 2026, and demolished the management office and other structures.
The plaintiff claims that equipment, furniture, documents and other valuable items were either destroyed or taken away during the exercise.
He further alleges that workers and licensed operators were forced to leave the premises, bringing business activities to a halt.
Nunoo argues that the demolition was carried out without a court order, warrant or prior notice, leaving the committee with no opportunity to challenge the action.
Committee Cites 2022 Court Ruling
The management committee is relying on a Court of Appeal order issued on July 21, 2022, to support its claim of authority over La Pleasure Beach.
According to the lawsuit, the ruling dissolved an interim management committee that had been established by the High Court in April 2013.
Nunoo maintains that the current committee has since been responsible for managing the beach, issuing licences to operators, regulating activities and collecting revenue.
He wants the High Court to formally recognise the committee’s authority and protect its right to continue managing the facility.
The lawsuit also questions the involvement of Hotel Investments (Ghana) Limited and La Palm Beach Hotel Limited, operators of Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Beach Hotel, respectively.
The plaintiff argues that neither company has ownership or possession rights over La Pleasure Beach or its management, except for any access arrangements approved by the committee.
He is therefore asking the court to determine whether the companies had any legal justification to interfere with the committee’s activities.
SSNIT Raises Concerns Over Encroachment
The lawsuit also refers to a statement reportedly issued by SSNIT on October 2, 2026, in which the Trust raised concerns about what it described as persistent encroachment, unlawful occupation and unauthorised activities along the beachfront near Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
In the statement, SSNIT reportedly called for the intervention of the National Security Council Secretariat to address the situation.
The Trust explained that the hotels formed part of its investment portfolio and that it had a responsibility to protect those investments in the interest of contributors and pensioners.
However, Nunoo believes the statement supports his claim that the defendants were involved in or facilitated the demolition.
The court documents available do not contain detailed responses from SSNIT or the two hotel companies to the allegations.
Management Demands Compensation
Beyond seeking recognition of its management authority, the committee wants the court to prevent SSNIT, the hotel companies and their representatives from taking control of the beach or interfering with its operations.
It is also asking for an order restoring its possession and management of the beachfront.
The committee is demanding an independent assessment of all property allegedly destroyed, damaged or removed during the demolition to determine the extent of the losses.
It is further seeking compensation for damaged property, lost business income and disruption to operations, as well as aggravated and exemplary damages, interest and legal costs.
The case is expected to address the competing claims over the management of La Pleasure Beach, the interests of SSNIT and the hotel companies, and whether the demolition was carried out lawfully.
The allegations remain claims made by the plaintiff and have not been established by the court.
The available court documents do not indicate that the defendants have filed their responses or that the High Court has delivered a ruling on the case.
