The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police has arrested Dr. Clemence Gyato in connection with the controversial demolition and reported takeover of the Accra Race Course at Borteyman.
According to a police statement, Dr. Gyato was arrested on Thursday, September 10, 2026, amid mounting public pressure over the August demolition, which sparked outrage among Ghana’s horse racing community.
He is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations as the CID works to establish who authorised the operation and the circumstances surrounding the reported takeover of the property.
The development follows the interdiction of DSP Alhassan Malaika Jibril by the Ghana Police Service over his alleged involvement in the demolition.
The senior police officer was accused of providing security and leading personnel involved in the operation at the racecourse. The demolition took place on Saturday, August 22, when a large group of men reportedly arrived at the Accra Turf Club facility with heavy-duty machinery.
🎥 Aerial footage showing the devastation at the Accra Horse Race Course at Borteyman after an alleged forceful takeover by armed men.
More here: https://t.co/WPRbSG2u5j#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/DJo6WVm8Nd
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 29, 2026
According to the Turf Club, about 200 armed men, accompanied by an excavator and nine bulldozers, demolished more than 100 horse stables. Track railings and other infrastructure at the historic venue were also destroyed.
The demolition has drawn strong condemnation from the Accra Turf Club and other stakeholders, who have called for state intervention and an investigation into who authorised the operation.
🎥 Sam Newton, Board Secretary of the Accra Turf Club, has called on the Interior Minister and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to intervene in the demolition of the Accra Race Course at Borteyman. #CitiSports pic.twitter.com/zayAxkv8ch
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 26, 2026
Pressure intensified on Thursday when members of the horse racing community staged demonstrations in Accra and petitioned the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Sports and the Presidency. They are demanding urgent action over the reported takeover and destruction of the racecourse.
