Laboma Beach Business Development Manager, Nii Lante Bruce, says the facility has transformed what was previously a dumping ground into a major tourism destination and economic hub for many individuals across the country.
He says the area was previously characterised by filth, debris and mosquito infestation before management invested in transforming the environment into a functioning beach resort.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Nii Lante Bruce said the transformation has significantly changed the appearance and use of the area.
“If people knew Laboma, this is like the kind of filth and debris that was here. It was a dumping ground. The place was infested with mosquitoes. It was a very dangerous place. So we have brought life to this environment,” he said.
He said the transformation has also created an ecosystem of businesses and employment opportunities around the beach.
According to Mr Bruce, the economic activities extend beyond the individual establishments operating within the beach resort to include security personnel, vendors, restaurants, hospital, hotels, ticketing staff, administrative workers and other service providers.
He estimates that more than 6,000 people benefit directly and indirectly from activities within the Laboma Beach ecosystem.
Nii Lante Bruce also described Laboma as a tourism hub that contributes to the wider economy through businesses operating at the facility.
He said establishments at the beach pay taxes to the government, stressing that the development of the area has taken years of investment and effort.
“Laboma has actually transformed,” he said.
Mr Bruce said the transformation has been particularly significant over the past three years, although the development of the facility has been ongoing for about 25 years.
He maintained that the investments made in transforming the area and creating livelihoods should be considered in decisions concerning the future of the beach.
He further argued that environmental concerns and the need to address flooding should not necessarily mean destroying the investments and livelihoods that have been created at Laboma.
Mr Bruce called for technical and engineering solutions that could address environmental concerns while preserving the tourism and economic activities that have developed around the beach.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
