Prominent lawyer Nsiah Akuetteh has challenged SSNIT’s position on the beaches behind La Palm Royal Beach Hotel and Labadi Beach Hotel, following the demolition of La Pleasure Beach Resort.

SSNIT initially defended the demolition by implicitly claiming the beach land for the hotels, but later apologised for carrying out the exercise without consultation.

Lawyer Nsiah Akuetteh says the land documents for La Palm Royal Beach Hotel do not support the claim that the beach in contention falls within the hotel’s property. He points to the hotel’s land certificate and site plan, which indicate that its land covers approximately 1.34 hectares (3.31 acres).

He also notes that La natives have continued to engage in economic activities along the beach even after the hotels were established.

Akuetteh, who hails from La, recalled a previous legal dispute involving La Palm Royal Beach Hotel over its land acquired through a state divestiture process. He says the hotel produced its documents in that case but ultimately lost the suit.

He further questioned SSNIT’s position, given the recent public debate over the attempted sale of its stakes in the hotels. He cautioned against using the Trade Fair land acquisition as justification for claiming the beaches, arguing that this was not the original purpose of the acquisition.

Akuetteh maintains that SSNIT and the hotels must respect the limits of their land holdings and the livelihoods of La residents. He concluded by stressing that the people of La are alert and have capable men who will not sit back and watch SSNIT or any other entity take them for granted.

This is another setback for SSNIT, leaving its redevelopment plan for the beach in limbo.

ABLADE TV News Desk.