Accra Turf Club Petitions President Mahama Following Forced Demolition of Borteyman Race Course

The Accra Turf Club has issued a formal condemnation following a violent demolition at its Race Course in Borteyman, appealing directly to President John Mahama for urgent intervention. On August 22, the facility was reportedly stormed by approximately 200 armed men, who oversaw the destruction of nearly 100 horse stables. This forceful entry has left the equestrian community in a state of crisis, as horses and jockeys were evicted from the grounds without notice, sparking concerns over the safety of the animals and the future of the sport in Ghana. According to the Club’s leadership, the demolition was led by individuals identified as Clement Dzato and Azuma, who were allegedly accompanied by police officers during the operation. The Club described the event as an illegal land-grabbing attempt, characterizing the actions as a blatant disregard for the rule of law. The destruction was not limited to infrastructure; the sudden displacement of the horses has created an animal welfare emergency and disrupted the training schedules of numerous professional jockeys who depend on the facility for their livelihood. Beyond the immediate physical damage, the Accra Turf Club emphasized the broader socio-economic impact of the race course. The facility is a cornerstone of Ghana’s equestrian sector, which the Club estimates supports more than 30,000 livelihoods through direct employment, tourism, and ancillary services. The Club warned that the loss of this venue would deal a significant blow to the nation's sporting heritage, as the race course serves as a primary hub for preserving the long-standing tradition of horse racing in the country. In its appeal to the Presidency and relevant government officials, the Accra Turf Club has vowed to use all available lawful means to defend its property rights and reclaim the land. The organization is calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police-backed demolition to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. As the situation develops, the equestrian community remains on high alert, seeking a swift resolution that will allow for the restoration of the Borteyman site and the protection of Ghana's sports infrastructure from further encroachment.