The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) today met the indigenous caterers' association and other traders affected by the La Pleasure Beach (Labadi Beach) demolition. It was the first time the federation had sat down with them to hear their account directly.
GHATOF was represented by its President, Mr Seth Ocran, and its National Secretary, Mr Joseph Amartey. They were joined by Madam Zeporah Kai Laryea President of the Indigenous Caterers Association, who sits on the federation's Governing Council. The association is one of the 22 trade associations under GHATOF.
The affected traders are largely women. They represent 85 businesses, among them food vendors, general traders and arts and crafts sellers. Together they employ about 4,000 workers. According to the traders, all 85 members pay tourism levy, and other statutory taxes and hold the required business operating permits. They say they are also registered with the fire service, Ghana Tourism Authority.
Many of them have worked on the beach for decades. Some trace their presence back to when the area was known simply as La Pleasure Beach (Meet Me There), long before it became the destination it is today.
Mr Ocran urged the traders to stay calm and law-abiding while the federation presses for legal compensation. GHATOF will also advocate for first right of refusal if the place is to be redesigned and developed.
He noted that the traders' work fits GHATOF's own Uplifting Women in Hospitality programme, which includes remodelling chop bars. GHATOF is asking government to reconsider how the affected traders are being treated. It describes them as women who feed the nation and keep tourism activity going. Many had invested heavily in new equipments including TV’s, fridges etc for the December in GH activities and the festive season, but everything is lost.
GHATOF also called on the district assemblies that issued some of the traders' permits to be held accountable if those permits were issued legally. The federation said the assemblies' actions reflect on the whole country which may deter future investments if they can be committing such errors. It also asked why the traders were not given proper notice.
Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF)
The Unified Voice of Ghana’s Tourism Industry