The Accra Turf Club has condemned what it describes as a forceful entry, trespass, demolition and unlawful takeover of its Race Course facility at Borteyman, near the Borteyman Sports Complex.
In a statement issued on August 24, 2026, and signed by its Board Secretary, Mr. Sam Newton, the Club said the incident occurred on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when a group of armed men led by individuals identified as Clement Dzato and one other person named Azuma stormed the premises with nine bulldozers and excavators.
According to the Club, the group was accompanied by police officers under the command of DSP Malaika and caused extensive damage to property, including about 100 horse stables, buildings, water storage facilities, vegetation, track railings, roofing sheets and utility installations.
The Club further stated that horses were forcibly removed from their stables, jockeys were ejected from their residential facilities, and all entrances to the Race Course were blocked.
The Accra Turf Club, established in 1923, has played a significant role in promoting horse racing as an important sporting and social activity in the country. The Club was relocated to Borteyman after its original land in Accra was redeveloped.
The Club is therefore calling on His Excellency the President, John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tettey Yohuno, and the National Security Coordinator, COP Abdul-Osman Razak, to urgently intervene.
Specifically, the Club is calling on the relevant authorities to:
- Eject the land grabbers and encroachers from the Accra Turf Club’s property.
- Restore the Club’s possession and access to its property so that horse racing in Ghana can continue.
- Halt any further attempts by the Lands Commission to unlawfully transfer, alienate or otherwise interfere with the land earmarked for the Accra Turf Club.
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the events of August 22, 2026, and bring persons found responsible for the unlawful destruction, trespass and takeover to justice.
The Accra Turf Club says it remains the rightful custodian of the property and will pursue all lawful steps necessary to protect its property, rights and heritage.
