SSNIT Moves to Reintegrate Labadi Beachfront Traders, Promises African Market Before Christmas

Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kwasi Afreh Biney, says the Trust has begun documenting traders and workers displaced by the recent demolition of structures along the Labadi beachfront, with plans to provide alternative trading space before Christmas.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, [October 10, 2026], Mr Afreh Biney said a committee had been set up to gather detailed information on affected persons — including hotel staff, food vendors, artisans and independent traders — to determine appropriate support and reintegration measures.

He explained that the exercise would help SSNIT identify individuals who had lost their livelihoods and map out opportunities within upcoming beachfront redevelopment projects.

“We set up a committee to work together on the matters to be addressed,” he said. “How do we settle especially some of our young folks who had opportunity to work there, whether as employees or entrepreneurs?”

Mr Afreh Biney noted that the two SSNIT-owned hotels — Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel — would consider absorbing some displaced workers as part of their new operational plans.

For traders and small business operators, he said the revised beachfront design includes a dedicated African market for Ghanaian and African food, crafts and artefacts.

“In the new design that the team is reviewing right now, we’ve made provision for an African market for African and Ghanaian food and artefacts,” he said.

He added that SSNIT would fast-track clearing debris, restoring access routes, and providing washrooms and other essential facilities to enable operators to resume business activities before the Christmas season. A new MICE centre is also planned for the nearby La Trade Fair site.

Compensation Discussions Underway

The announcement comes after the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mrs Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, revealed that a committee would be established to determine compensation for individuals whose businesses and properties were affected by the demolition.