By Issah Olegor
Concerns are mounting over the future of the 37 Lorry Station following an indication by the Member of Parliament for La Dadekotopon, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, that the transport hub could be the next target of a demolition exercise that has already displaced businesses and operators at the La Pleasure Beach and Laboma Beach within the constituency.
The warning was made during the chaotic demolition of structures at the La Pleasure Beach Resort on October 2, 2026, when personnel from National Security and the military, including members of the 48 Engineer Regiment, moved into the area to pull down structures and businesses, with over 5000 business operators displaced.
The exercise immediately triggered resistance from affected operators, community members and local political leaders, who questioned the circumstances surrounding the operation.
Ms Sowah, who arrived at the scene with rage, expressed concern that the constituency had not received prior official communication about the demolition. In the course of her confrontation with the security personnel, she warned that the 37 Lorry Station could be next and warned that they would resist the impending demolition. The 37 Lorry station and some military facilities have been earmarked for demolition to make way for private developer to take over.
“Their next target is the 37 station and we will not allow them to take the station from us,”, the MP was heard saying, signalling a potentially bigger confrontation over land and development in the La Dadekotopon area.
The development has revived longstanding concerns surrounding the 37 Lorry Station, a major transport hub serving commuters, drivers, traders and other businesses in the La community.
The station and surrounding lands have previously attracted speculation and concerns over competing interests in land development, although the material provided does not establish that a demolition order has been issued for the station.
La Pleasure Beach demolition triggers controversy
The latest controversy began on October 2 when security personnel undertook a demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach. The operation was reportedly linked to interests involving the Labadi Beach Hotel and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), although the circumstances surrounding the exercise have become the subject of political and public debate.
Following the demolition, the La Dadekotopon NDC constituency leadership distanced itself from the exercise, insisting that neither the party nor local government authorities had been given advance notice.
At a subsequent press conference, Ms Sowah said the demolition had destroyed businesses and personal property belonging to people operating at the beach.
“I want to say on authority that the party NDC is not aware of this and is not part of this. The Labadi Beach Hotel and SSNIT, working with the National Security, carried out this exercise,” she claimed.
The MP also questioned why affected operators were not given adequate notice to remove their belongings before the exercise commenced.
According to her, previous engagements had created the impression that the area would not be affected by any demolition associated with the hotel, making the sudden operation particularly troubling for the constituency leadership.
MP rejects anti-flooding explanation
Ms Sowah also rejected suggestions that the demolition formed part of the government’s ongoing anti-flooding interventions.
She said consultations with officials responsible for the government’s flood-control programme indicated that the Pleasure Beach area had not been identified as a flood-prone location earmarked for demolition or intervention.
The MP consequently called for clarity from the institutions involved, particularly regarding the legal and administrative basis for the demolition.
She also announced plans for a stakeholder meeting involving traditional authorities, the Municipal Chief Executive, constituency representatives and other relevant stakeholders to determine the way forward.
37 Station enters the spotlight
Against this background, the MP’s reference to the 37 Lorry Station has generated fresh anxiety among drivers, traders and residents who depend on the facility.
The concern is particularly significant because the station is not merely a transport point but also supports a network of commercial activities and livelihoods in the area.
Any attempt to demolish or relocate it could therefore have consequences extending beyond transportation.
Reports and local concerns in previous years have also raised questions about pressure on lands around the station and alleged interests in portions of the area.
However, there is currently no evidence in the material provided that authorities have formally announced plans to demolish the 37 Lorry Station.
What has turned the issue into a major political concern is the MP’s explicit warning following the La Pleasure Beach operation.Her statement has effectively shifted attention from the immediate dispute over the beach to the broader question of land use, development and the protection of existing community facilities within La Dadekotopon.
