The Accra Turf Club has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama over the demolition and reported takeover of the Accra Racecourse at Borteyman. (Scroll down to watch video)
The petition was presented to the Presidency on Thursday, September 10, following a demonstration by members of Ghana’s horse racing community over the August 22 demolition.
The protesters marched through Accra before presenting petitions to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Presidency, demanding urgent intervention to protect the race course and the future of equestrian sports in Ghana.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Presidency, presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah assured the demonstrators that President Mahama would receive the document.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the takeover of the Accra Racecourse. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
The Accra Turf Club described the August 22 incident as a forceful takeover, alleging that about 200 armed men, accompanied by police officers and heavy machinery, entered the facility and demolished more than 100 horse stables, along with other buildings, racing infrastructure and utilities.
“The President is always willing to ensure that the right thing is done and as you aptly said, he is against unlawful possession of state lands.”
“His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama is going to get this petition and he is going to get to the bottom of this so you will hear from him in due course” Nana Yaa Jantuah said after receiving the petition at the Presidency.
Dr. Clemence Gyato was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department on Thursday, September 10 and remains in police custody, assisting with investigations into the demolition. Police say the investigation is aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident and identifying those involved.
The arrest follows the interdiction of DSP Alhassan Malaika Jibril over his alleged involvement in the operation. He has been accused of providing security and leading police personnel during the demolition.
The Turf Club has also petitioned the Ministries of Sports and Recreation and Lands and Natural Resources, calling for an investigation, the restoration of its possession of the property and an end to any further interference with the land.
The club maintains that its occupation of the Borteyman site is backed by a relocation agreement with the government and a 2005 High Court order which, according to the club, directed the Lands Commission to demarcate 46.64 hectares for the Accra Turf Club.
The club is now seeking government intervention to preserve the racecourse and protect the future of horse racing in Ghana.
