Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has questioned the decision to describe businesses operating along the La Beach beachfront as encroachers.

According to Blay, businesses have operated along the beachfront for more than 70 years, predating the construction of hotels in the area, including Labadi Beach Hotel.

“The beachfront is not part of Labadi Beach Hotel. Businesses have been operating along the beachfront for over 70 years, even before these hotels were built. So why describe them as encroachers?” he asked.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Blay said the beachfront businesses have developed into a tourism and entertainment economy that should not simply be disrupted through demolition.

“It has been developing into a kind of ecosystem and an economy. It’s a well-organised place, especially during the festive season. They rake in millions. It’s a whole tourism economy. It’s a different product from what the hotels offer,” he said.