Members of the Accra Turf Club have renewed calls for the return and restoration of the Accra Racecourse land at Borteyman, following its alleged forceful takeover and demolition.
The club says the destruction has disrupted the activities of jockeys, horse owners, trainers and other stakeholders who depend on horse racing for their livelihoods.
The latest protest was staged on Tuesday, September 22, as members intensified pressure on authorities to act.
The Accra Racecourse was allegedly demolished during a forceful takeover of the land. The incident led to the arrest of three persons, including a police officer, though concerns over the status of the land persist.
The Turf Club said it has already petitioned the Office of President John Mahama, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, but is yet to see action.
Speaking at the protest, a representative of the Jockeys’ Association, Samuel Acheampong, described the impact as severe.
“This alleged demolition has caused a serious menace to the horse fraternity as a whole,” he said.
“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.
The Treasurer of the Horse Racing Association, Mutala Alhassan, also appealed to government to intervene and hold those responsible accountable.
“We are appealing to the government to come to our aid… prosecute every individual involved in the demolition of the Accra Racecourse,” he said.
The club insists the land, which has historically served as the centre for horse racing in Accra, must be restored to protect the sport and the livelihoods tied to it, while urging the Presidency to act on their petitions.
