The Jockeys representative for the Accra Turf Club, Samuel Acheampong, has pleaded with President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and help them reclaim their land at Borteyman.
Speaking during a demonstration at Borteyman, Acheampong said the unlawful takeover of the racecourse by one Mr Jato and his associates has thrown the entire horse racing fraternity into hardship.
“As we speak now, the land is in the possession of Mr Jato and his associates and cohorts and this has caused a serious matter to the horse fraternity as a whole – the jockeys, the horse owners, the feed merchants, the veterinary officers and all others,” he said.
According to him, the unlawful demolition of the Accra Turf Club has led to unemployment for thousands.
“Unemployment is a national security issue and it’s a threat to every nation. As we speak, how are we going to pay the fees of our horses? How are we going to cater for our horses? How are we going to house them? Because our land has been unlawfully demolished by Mr Jato and his associates.”
“We are here this afternoon to let you know that we want our land back. The right thing should be done in accordance with the law.”
“We are not hooligans. We are here for our only interest to be served. We believe in the sitting President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. We know he’s a listening President. We beg him, we are pleading with him, we are appealing to him that he should help us secure our land back so that activities can continue, businesses can boom.”
He stressed that the industry pays taxes and supports many families, including market women who sell feed.
“In any case, we pay taxes to the government directly or indirectly. Those who buy the feed, we buy from the market women. How are they also going to sell and feed their families? This is not right.”
“This is Ghana. Ghana is for all of us. Ghana is not for Mr Jato, Accra Turf Club land is not for Mr Jato and Land Commission. It’s for Accra Turf Club and our stakeholders. We are serious about this cause.”
He concluded by calling on government to ensure all demolished structures, including stables and tracks, are restored.
