The Accra Turf Club has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to urgently intervene in the alleged forceful takeover and demolition of the Accra Race Course at Borteyman, near the Borteyman Stadium.
The Club said the incident, which occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, involved about 200 armed men who allegedly entered the premises with nine bulldozers and an excavator and proceeded to demolish facilities at the race course.
According to a statement issued by the Secretary of the Accra Turf Club, the group was led by persons identified as Clement Dzato and another individual known as Azuma, and was accompanied by police officers allegedly under the command of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), identified as Malaika.
The Club alleged that approximately 100 horse stables, buildings, racing facilities, vegetation, utility services and other properties were destroyed during the operation.It further claimed that horses were forcibly removed from their stables, jockeys were ejected from their residential facilities, while office equipment and other Club properties were also destroyed.
The statement said track railings, roofing sheets, water tank stands and other valuables were removed from the premises and allegedly sold by the group.The Club said all entrances to the Race Course were subsequently blocked and its members were prevented from accessing the facility.
Police intervention
The Accra Turf Club said its officials immediately contacted the Lakeside Police Station and other patrol teams in the area after learning of the demolition.It said when the police arrived, Clement Dzato allegedly claimed that the land had been given to them and that they had taken possession of it.
The Club further alleged that DSP Malaika told the responding officers that the claimants had documentation establishing ownership of the land and that the police team was present to provide security for the takeover.However, according to the Club, no documentation or court order authorising the takeover, demolition or destruction of the facilities was produced at the scene.
It said despite attempts by officers from the Lakeside Police Station and patrol teams to halt the demolition, the destruction continued.
The Club subsequently appealed to other state authorities for intervention, but said the demolition allegedly continued unabated.
Club cites historical and legal basis
The Accra Turf Club said horse racing in Accra dates back to the late 19th century, with organised horse racing traced to around 1876.
It said the Club was formally established in 1923 and had since played an important role in Ghana’s sporting and social history.
According to the Club, its present race course at Borteyman was established following the relocation of its former facility, which occupied land now hosting the National Security Secretariat, Accra International Conference Centre and Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City.
The Club said it entered into a Relocation Agreement with the Government of Ghana on May 24, 2006, to facilitate its relocation to Borteyman.
It further cited a March 8, 2005 High Court order in Suit No. AE/32/2004, involving the Lands Commission, which it said authorised the Commission to enter the land and demarcate 46.64 hectares for the Accra Turf Club.The Club said the order was intended to facilitate the necessary land documentation and recognised its right to occupy and operate its race course on the site.
Call for government action
The Accra Turf Club has called on President Mahama and key government officials to intervene immediately.
Those named include the Minister for the Interior, 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 Club is demanding the removal of what it described as land grabbers and encroachers, restoration of its possession and access to the property, and an immediate halt to any attempt to transfer or otherwise interfere with the land earmarked for the Club.
It is also demanding an investigation into the events of August 22 and the prosecution of anyone found responsible for what it described as unlawful destruction, trespass and takeover.
‘Protect Ghana’s horse racing heritage’
The Club said the Accra Race Course is more than a parcel of land, describing it as an important part of Ghana’s sporting heritage.
It claimed that the horse-racing industry provides livelihoods for more than 30,000 people within the equestrian fraternity, including jockeys, trainers, horse owners and groomers.The Club questioned how a police officer could allegedly participate in an operation resulting in the destruction of property and disruption of livelihoods.
It said the incident was inconsistent with the government’s stated commitment to protecting public and state lands and reversing unlawful acquisition and takeover of state properties.
The Accra Turf Club expressed confidence that President Mahama would intervene swiftly to protect the integrity of government directives and uphold the rule of law.
The Club said it remained committed to protecting its property, rights and Ghana’s horse-racing heritage and would pursue all lawful avenues to secure its interests.
