Accra Turf Club Appeals to Mahama Over Demolition of Race Course

The Accra Turf Club has appealed to President John Mahama to intervene in the alleged forcible takeover and demolition of the Accra Race Course in Borteyman, near Borteyman Stadium. The incident occurred on August 22, 2026, when about 200 armed men, led by Clement Dzato and Azuma, entered the premises with nine bulldozers and an excavator, demolishing facilities at the race course.

The Club alleges that around 100 horse stables, buildings, racing facilities, vegetation, utility services, and other properties were destroyed, with horses forcibly removed from their stables, jockeys ejected from residential facilities, and office equipment destroyed. Track railings, roofing sheets, water tank stands, and other valuables were reportedly sold by the group.

All entrances to the Race Course were blocked, preventing members from accessing the facility. The Accra Turf Club has appealed for urgent government intervention, naming several key officials, including the Minister for the Interior, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Inspector-General of Police, and National Security Coordinator.

The Club emphasizes the historical and legal basis for its claim, tracing horse racing in Accra back to the late 19th century and noting its formal establishment in 1923. The Club cites a High Court order from March 8, 2005, authorizing the demarcation of 46.64 hectares of land for the Accra Turf Club, as well as a Relocation Agreement signed with the Government of Ghana on May 24, 2006.

The Accra Turf Club calls for the removal of the alleged land grabbers, restoration of its possession and access to the property, an immediate halt to any interference with the land, and an investigation into the events of August 22, with prosecution of those responsible for unlawful destruction, trespass, and takeover.