“Come to our aid, prosecute every individual involved in the demolition of the Accra Racecourse” — Horse Racing Association petitions President Mahama

Members of the Accra Turf Club and the Horse Racing Association have renewed their call for government intervention over the alleged forceful takeover and demolition of the Accra Racecourse land at Borteyman.

The latest protest, held on Tuesday, September 22, saw jockeys, horse owners, trainers and other stakeholders intensify calls for the return and restoration of the racecourse, which they say has historically served as a major centre for horse racing in Accra.

The group says the alleged demolition has severely disrupted the activities of people whose livelihoods depend on the horse-racing industry, leaving jockeys and horse owners struggling to cater for their horses and meet other financial obligations.

Speaking during the protest, a representative of the Jockeys’ Association, Samuel Acheampong, described the situation as a serious setback for the horse-racing fraternity.

“This alleged demolition has caused a serious menace to the horse fraternity as a whole,” he said.

He questioned how affected families and horse owners would continue to meet their responsibilities following the destruction of the facility.

“How are we going to pay the fees of our wards, how are we going to cater for our horses, how are we going to house them because our land has been unlawfully demolished?” he queried.

Treasurer of the Horse Racing Association, Mutala Alhassan, also appealed to the government to intervene and ensure accountability.

“We are appealing to the government to come to our aid… prosecute every individual involved in the demolition of the Accra Racecourse,” he said.

According to the club, the alleged takeover and demolition have also raised concerns about the status and ownership of the land.

The incident reportedly resulted in the arrest of three individuals, including a police officer.

The Turf Club says it has petitioned President John Mahama, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, seeking government intervention and the restoration of the racecourse.

The members are therefore urging the Presidency to act on their petition, investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged demolition, and take steps to protect the interests of jockeys, horse owners, trainers and other stakeholders whose livelihoods are connected to horse racing.

They maintain that restoring the Accra Racecourse would not only preserve the sport but also safeguard the economic activities and livelihoods built around the horse-racing community.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith