The Accra Turf Club has staged a second peaceful demonstration at Borteyman to protest what it describes as the unlawful demolition and takeover of its land.
The demonstration follows an earlier protest in which club members presented petitions to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Presidency, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Lands Commission, calling for government intervention.
The protesters say the demolition has disrupted horse racing activities and negatively affected the livelihoods of horse owners, jockeys and other people who depend on the industry.
Speaking to the media after the demonstration, Sammy Young jockeys rep of the Accra Turf Club said the disputed land belongs to the club and urged the government to intervene. “The land is not for Clement Zato or any individual. This is Accra Turf Club land, and we are serious about our cause. We are pleading with the government to help us reclaim our land and ensure that the right thing is done.”
He also called for the restoration of structures that were demolished on the site.
“Anything that was demolished, including the racecourse, tracks and stables, should be restored. Whatever belongs to the Turf Club should be protected.”
Meanwhile, Murtala Alhassan Veron, a member and treasurer of the Accra Horse Owners and Horse Racing Association, said the demonstration was to register their opposition to what they described as the unlawful demolition of the property.
“Our message is simple. We are here to protest the unlawful demolition of our land. These horses are supposed to be in stables, but because the stables have been demolished, they are now on the streets.”
According to Alhassan, the situation has exposed the horses and their handlers to danger, with several horses allegedly being knocked down by vehicles over the years. “Since 2008, we have lost many horses on the streets after they were hit by cars. We are young people, and this is our livelihood. We have already lost enough, and we are appealing to the government to come to our aid.”
He accused Clement Zato and his associates of carrying out the demolition without lawful authority and called for the matter to be investigated.
“Clement Zato and his associates went onto our land and demolished our property. We are calling on the government to investigate the matter and take action against anyone found responsible.”
Alhassan Veron further appealed to the government to help rebuild the facilities and restore horse racing activities at the site. “We want the government to help rebuild our stables and tracks because the demolition has caused serious damage to our businesses and families. We are struggling to pay school fees and take care of our families.”
He explained that horse racing is not only a sporting activity but also provides income through entertainment and other activities.
“We use the horses for racing and entertainment. You see them at the beaches and at schools during vacations and holidays. These horses are part of how we make a living. If we cannot take care of them and they die, how will we feed our families and pay our school fees?”
Alanson also called for attention to be paid to the welfare and safety of jockeys, saying they face significant risks in the course of their work. “We are appealing to the government to protect the livelihoods and wellbeing of the jockeys. They take serious risks to do this job, and they deserve protection.”
The protesters are demanding that the alleged unlawful acquisition of the land be reversed and that the facilities destroyed during the demolition be restored.
They have also called on the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the demolition and take appropriate action against anyone found to have acted unlawfully.
The Accra Turf Club says it will continue to engage the government and relevant state institutions until its concerns are addressed.
By: Victoria Kwofie
