Accra Turf Club raise alarm over demolition, alleged takeover of Borteyman race course

The Accra Turf Club has called for urgent government intervention following the alleged forceful entry, demolition and takeover of its race course at Borteyman in Accra.

The Club said the incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when about 200 armed men allegedly entered the Accra Race Course, near the Borteyman Stadium, with nine bulldozers and an excavator.

According to the Club, the group was led by individuals identified as Clement Dzato and another person known as Azuma, and was accompanied by police officers, including a senior officer identified as DSP Malaika.

The Accra Turf Club, in a statement issued on August 24, said the group proceeded to demolish several structures and facilities on the premises, resulting in what it described as extensive destruction of the race course.

The Club alleged that approximately 100 horse stables were demolished, while other buildings, horse racing facilities, vegetation and utility services were also destroyed.

It further claimed that horses were forcibly removed from their stables and jockeys ejected from residential facilities on the premises.

The Club also alleged that its office equipment and other properties were destroyed, while track railings, roofing sheets, water tank stands and other valuables were removed from the facility.

According to the statement, the items were allegedly sold on the premises.

The Accra Turf Club said its officials contacted the Lakeside Police Station and other police patrol teams after the demolition began, seeking their intervention to halt the destruction.

It said officers who arrived at the scene confronted the persons allegedly leading the takeover.

The Club claimed that Clement Dzato told the police that the land had been given to them and that they had taken possession of it.

It further alleged that DSP Malaika informed the responding officers that the claimants had documents purportedly establishing ownership of the land and that the police team was at the location to provide protection during the takeover.

However, the Club said neither the alleged ownership documents nor any court order authorising the takeover and demolition was produced to the responding officers.

The Club said attempts by the Lakeside Police and other patrol teams to stop the demolition were unsuccessful, adding that the destruction continued after the officers left the scene.

Club cites relocation agreement

The Accra Turf Club says its presence at Borteyman is backed by a long-standing history and a relocation arrangement with the Government of Ghana.

The Club traces organised horse racing in Accra to around 1876 and says it was formally established in 1923.

It explained that its current race course at Borteyman was established after the Government decided to redevelop its former race course, which was located on land now occupied by the National Security Secretariat, the Accra International Conference Centre and the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City.

According to the Club, the relocation was formalised through a Relocation Agreement with the Government dated May 24, 2006.

It further said the Borteyman site forms part of land compulsorily acquired by the Government under Certificate of Title No. 214/40.

The Club also cited a court case, Suit No. AE/32/2004, involving the Lands Commission, and said a March 8, 2005 order granted the Lands Commission permission to enter the land and demarcate 46.64 hectares for the Accra Turf Club.

It maintains that the court order recognised its right to occupy the land and operate a race course there.

The Club has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and relevant state institutions to intervene in the dispute.

It specifically called on 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.

Among other demands, the Club wants the alleged encroachers removed from the property and its possession and access restored to enable horse racing activities to continue.

It is also demanding an investigation into the events of August 22 and appropriate action against anyone found responsible for the alleged destruction, trespass and takeover.

The Club has further urged authorities to prevent any attempt to transfer, alienate or otherwise interfere with the land it says was earmarked for its use.

The Accra Turf Club says the dispute goes beyond ownership of a piece of land, arguing that the race course represents an important part of Ghana's sporting heritage.

It estimates that more than 30,000 people within the equestrian fraternity, including jockeys, trainers, horse owners and groomers, depend on activities linked to horse racing for their livelihoods.

The Club has therefore urged the government to act swiftly to protect the facility, safeguard the horses and personnel and preserve horse racing as a sporting tradition in Ghana.

It said it remains committed to pursuing all lawful avenues to protect its property, rights and heritage.

The allegations were contained in a statement issued by the Accra Turf Club.

The statement did not contain responses from the persons accused of leading the alleged takeover or from the police authorities.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith