The Accra Turf Club has appealed to Ghana’s senior authorities to intervene after alleging that armed men entered, demolished and took control of its facility at the Accra Race Course.
In a statement issued in Accra, the Club called on President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the National Security Coordinator to act urgently.
It asked the authorities to remove alleged land grabbers and encroachers from the Club’s premises and restore its possession of, and access to, the property. The Club said this was necessary to allow horse racing in Ghana to continue without interruption.
It also urged the relevant authorities to stop any attempt by the Lands Commission to carry out what it described as an unlawful transfer of, or interference with, land designated for the Accra Turf Club.
The Club said the circumstances surrounding the demolition on 22 August 2026 must be investigated. It added that anyone found responsible for unlawful conduct should be brought to justice.
According to the statement, about 200 armed men, including some police officers, entered the Accra Race Course on 22 August. The group was allegedly led by individuals identified as Clement Dzato and Azumah.
The Club claimed the men caused extensive damage across the site, affecting about 100 horse stables, buildings, water storage facilities, vegetation and utility installations.
It further alleged that horses were forced out of their stables and that all entrances to the race course were blocked.
The Accra Turf Club said it had been established in 1923 and had played an important part in developing horse racing as both a sporting and social activity in Ghana.
Its statement linked the Club’s occupation of the Borteyman site to a much longer tradition of horse racing in Accra, dating back to the late 19th century.
The Club described the facility as Ghana’s only public horse racing course and said the reported demolition threatened the future of the sport in the country. It appealed for prompt action to protect its investments and maintain its operations.
The statement did not provide further details about the alleged land dispute or identify the legal basis cited by those who entered the premises. However, the Club specifically called for any proposed action by the Lands Commission involving the property to be halted while the matter was addressed.
It said a swift resolution would be essential to safeguarding horse racing activities in Ghana and ensuring that the Accra Turf Club could regain access to the site.
