The Accra Turf Club has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to urgently intervene in what it describes as an alleged forceful takeover and demolition of the Accra Race Course at Borteyman, near the Borteyman Stadium.
According to the Club, the incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when approximately 200 armed men allegedly entered the race course with nine bulldozers and an excavator and began demolishing facilities on the property.
In a statement issued by the Secretary of the Accra Turf Club, the group was allegedly led by individuals identified as Clement Dzato and another person known as Azuma. The Club also claimed that police officers were present under the command of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) identified as Malaika.
The Accra Turf Club alleged that about 100 horse stables, buildings, racing infrastructure, vegetation, utility installations and other properties were destroyed during the operation.
The Club further claimed that horses were forcibly removed from their stables, jockeys were ejected from residential facilities, and office equipment and other Club-owned property were damaged.
It also alleged that track railings, roofing sheets, water tank stands and other valuable items were removed from the premises and subsequently sold. Following the demolition, all entrances to the race course were reportedly blocked, preventing Club officials and members from accessing the facility.
Police Intervention and Land Ownership Claims
The Accra Turf Club said its officials contacted the Lakeside Police Station and nearby patrol teams after learning about the demolition.
The Club claimed that when the police arrived, Clement Dzato stated that the land had been allocated to them and that they had taken possession of the property.
It further alleged that DSP Malaika informed responding officers that the individuals involved had documentation proving ownership of the land and that the police were providing security for the takeover.
However, the Club said no land documents, court order or other legal authorisation permitting the takeover, demolition or destruction of the facilities was presented at the scene.
According to the Club, officers from the Lakeside Police Station and patrol teams attempted to stop the demolition, but the alleged destruction continued. The Club subsequently appealed to other state authorities for assistance but claimed that the demolition proceeded despite those appeals.
History of Horse Racing in Ghana
The Accra Turf Club said horse racing in Ghana has a history stretching back to the late 19th century, with organised horse racing dating to around 1876.
The Club was formally established in 1923 and has since played a significant role in Ghana’s sporting, equestrian and social history.
The Club explained that its current race course at Borteyman was established after the relocation of its former facility. The previous site was located on land that now accommodates the National Security Secretariat, Accra International Conference Centre and Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City.
According to the Accra Turf Club, it entered into a Relocation Agreement with the Government of Ghana on May 24, 2006, to facilitate its relocation to Borteyman.
The Club also referred to a March 8, 2005 High Court order in Suit No. AE/32/2004 involving the Lands Commission. It said the order authorised the Lands Commission to enter the land and demarcate 46.64 hectares for the Accra Turf Club.
The Club maintained that the order was intended to support the necessary land documentation and recognised its right to occupy and operate a race course on the site.
Accra Turf Club Calls for Government Investigation
The Club has called on President Mahama and several senior government officials to intervene immediately.
Those named include Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and National Security Coordinator COP Abdul-Osman Razak.
The Accra Turf Club is demanding the removal of individuals it describes as land grabbers and encroachers, restoration of its possession and access to the property, and an immediate stop to any attempt to transfer or interfere with the land allocated to the Club.
It is also calling for a full investigation into the events of August 22, 2026, and the prosecution of anyone found responsible for what it describes as unlawful destruction, trespass and takeover.
Horse Racing Industry and Livelihoods at Stake
The Accra Turf Club said the race course represents more than just a piece of land, describing it as an important part of Ghana’s sporting heritage.
The Club claimed that Ghana’s horse-racing and equestrian industry supports the livelihoods of more than 30,000 people, including jockeys, horse trainers, owners and groomers.
It questioned how a police officer could allegedly participate in an operation that resulted in the destruction of property and disruption of the livelihoods of people working within the horse-racing industry.
The Club further argued that the alleged incident contradicts the government’s stated commitment to protecting public and state lands and reversing unlawful acquisition and encroachment on state properties.
The Accra Turf Club expressed confidence that President Mahama would act swiftly to protect the integrity of government directives, safeguard the Club’s rights and uphold the rule of law.
The Club said it remains committed to protecting its property, legal rights and Ghana’s horse-racing heritage, adding that it will pursue all lawful avenues to protect its interests.
Source: newsthemegh.com