Explosive court documents obtained by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reveal an alleged scheme by prominent figures associated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to seize control of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) highly profitable Labadi Beach Hotel.
The documents suggest a grand plan to capture state assets, with the beachfront property at the center of the controversy.
According to Ablakwa, the revelations go beyond the involvement of Bryan Acheampong, a known NPP associate. The documents implicate Kwaw Worsemao Blay, son of former NPP National Chairman Freddy Worsemao Blay, who now claims ownership of the beachfront traditionally managed by Labadi Beach Hotel.
Labadi Beach Hotel has thus become the only beachfront hotel in the world without exclusive control over its entire beachfront. Ablakwa highlights the helplessness of the hotel’s board and management, who appear unable to combat the encroachment by politically powerful individuals.
The situation came to light through a lawsuit filed at the Accra High Court (Commercial Division) by Mr. Loic Devos Junior, a business partner of Kwaw Worsemao Blay. Devos alleges that Blay cheated him out of their joint business, Gold Coast Expo Limited, which they established to organize the Polo Beach Club events at Labadi Beach.
Court documents (Suit Number: CM/MISC/0302/2023) detail Devos’s accusations of breach of joint venture agreement, misappropriation of funds, and exclusion of Labadi Beach Hotel from revenue streams. Devos claims Blay unilaterally took over the beachfront, bypassed agreed entry points, and funneled profits through his own company, Press Xpress Limited.
Internal protests from Labadi Beach Hotel’s board led to an inquiry and the eventual dismissal of the hotel’s former Managing Director, Rene Vincent-Ernst, who was accused of conspiring with Blay. Vincent-Ernst’s attempt to resign amid the investigation was rejected, and he has since filed a lawsuit challenging his dismissal and seeking outstanding entitlements.
Devos’s legal action seeks to restrain Blay from conducting Polo Beach Club events and misappropriating company assets. The court battle continues, with Devos demanding accountability and the cessation of Blay’s self-appointed management of Gold Coast Expo Limited.
Despite efforts by the hotel’s board to reclaim control, Blay has constructed permanent structures on the encroached beachfront and retains full possession, refusing to share revenues with Labadi Beach Hotel. Guests have complained about the obstruction of views and disturbances caused by Blay’s activities, yet the management remains powerless.
Ablakwa condemns the SSNIT and Labadi Beach Hotel boards for their inaction, accusing them of enabling the NPP’s alleged state capture agenda. He calls for President Akufo-Addo to intervene and halt the NPP’s aggressive acquisitions.
The North Tongu MP is also advancing a Private Member’s Bill to ban the sale of state assets to politicians and politically exposed persons, signaling his commitment to protecting public resources.