The Accra Turf Club, established in 1923, has called on the Government, state institutions and relevant authorities to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged takeover and demolition of its historic race course at Borteyman.
Addressing a press conference at the Accra Polo Club on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Secretary of the Club, Mr. Samuel Newton, said the demolition had caused extensive damage to facilities and property valued at millions of dollars and disrupted horse racing activities at the historic institution.
Mr. Newton condemned what he described as a forceful takeover and extensive demolition of the Borteyman Race Course, alleging that about 200 armed men, accompanied by police officers, entered the facility on Saturday, August 22, and began destroying the Club’s property.
According to him, the group, allegedly led by individuals identified as Clement Dzato and Azuma, arrived at the premises with nine bulldozers and an excavator and proceeded to demolish facilities across the race course. He said the destruction included approximately 100 horse stables, buildings and racing facilities, vegetation, utility infrastructure, track railings, roofing sheets, water tank stands and other property.
Mr. Newton further alleged that horses were forcibly removed from their stables while jockeys were ejected from residential facilities.
The Chairman of the Club, Mr. Frederick Nuer, also claimed that the Club’s offices and equipment were destroyed, while some dismantled materials and valuables were allegedly removed from the premises and sold as scrap on the spot.
He said Club officials contacted the Lakeside Police Station and other police patrol teams after learning of the demolition.
According to Mr. Newton, officers who arrived at the scene confronted Mr. Dzato, Mr. Azuma and a police officer identified as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Alhassan Malaika Jibril, who was allegedly accompanying the group.
He said Mr. Dzato claimed that the land had been given to him and his associates and that they had therefore taken possession of it.
Mr. Newton further alleged that DSP Malaika told the responding officers that the individuals had presented documentation establishing ownership of the land and that the police team was there to provide protection during the takeover.
However, he said no documentation or court order authorising the takeover or demolition was produced at the scene.
He alleged that attempts by officers from the Lakeside Police Station and other patrol teams to halt the demolition were unsuccessful, after which the officers left while the destruction continued.
The Club said it subsequently made further appeals to relevant authorities for intervention, but alleged that the demolition proceeded unabated.
A long history at Borteyman
Mr. Newton said the Club’s occupation of the Borteyman site was rooted in Ghana’s long history of horse racing, which dates back to the late 19th century.
“The Accra Turf Club was established in 1923 and horse racing is subsequently an important sporting and social activity in Ghana,” he stressed.
He explained that the Club’s current race course at Borteyman was established following the relocation of its former facility, located on land that is now occupied by major developments including the National Security Secretariat, the Accra International Conference Centre and the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City.
According to him, the relocation followed a decision by the Government of Ghana to redevelop the former race course site and resulted in a Relocation Agreement dated May 24, 2006, between the Club and the Government.
Mr Newton also cited a March 8, 2005 court order in Suit No. AE/32/2004 involving the Lands Commission.
He said the order granted the Lands Commission permission to enter the land and demarcate 46.64 hectares for the Accra Turf Club.
He maintained that the order was intended to facilitate the necessary land documentation and recognised the Club’s right to occupy the Borteyman site and operate its race course there.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Police Professional Standards Bureau are reportedly investigating the matter. Further action is expected to follow based on the outcome of the investigations.
In an emotional conclusion to the press conference, Club Chairman Mr Frederick Nuer appealed to what he described as divine intervention, quoting Revelation 19:11. He said: “Revelation 19:11: ‘And I saw Heaven opened and behold a white horse, and he who sat on him was called faithful and true, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. We are calling on the one sitting on this white horse who is called faithful and true to war on our behalf because we do not have guns.’”
The Club is calling for an urgent and impartial investigation into the alleged demolition, the ownership claims surrounding the Borteyman land and the conduct of all persons involved.
It is also demanding accountability for the destruction of its facilities and property and measures to protect the historic race course from further encroachment.
By: Victoria Kwofie
