Youth embark on demo over ‘chop chop’ at La Beach

Members of the La Citizen Youth Association on Monday petitioned the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) for the removal of the current membership of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) responsible for managing the La beach.

The association claims one Mr. Anyetei Nunoo, who is a member of the three-man management committee, has arrogated to himself powers of the IMC and as well unjustly enriching his pocket from the proceeds of the beach.

The demonstration began at the main shrine of the La people, through some principal streets to the La beach where they met with management of the facility and members of the Ghana Tourism Authority.

Speaking to the media during the demonstration, the Chief Priest of La, Nii Lakpa Woulomo Obloni VII, said on April 29, 2002, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the La Traditional Council and Ghana Tourist Authority for a lasting solution to the matter.

The MoU indicated that in the recruitment of staff to work at the beach, preference will be given to meritorious indigenes of the La community.

Also, the Traditional Council shall enjoy royalty of 20% of net monthly proceeds of the beach, the tourism ministry shall set aside 30% of the remaining 80% net proceeds into a LA Development Fund.

A High Court ruling ordered for an IMC and further directed that the La Beach be managed in accordance with terms of the MoU.

However, the Traditional Council has so far not received their royalties and the LA Development Fund is also empty, thus breaching the MoU by the Interim Management Committee.

In the exercise of fair reportage, Atinka FM’s reporter, Patrick Ofoe Nudzi spoke with the beach administrator, Afutu Niikoi, who described the demonstration as “unfortunate” because the whole issue is before the law court and there was no need for the demonstration.

He also rubbished all the accusations leveled against the Interim Management Committee in terms of embezzlement and improper record keeping about revenue generated.