The Accra Turf Club has petitioned Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams following what it describes as a forceful takeover and demolition at the Borteyman Race Course in Accra.
Speaking to the minister, the club’s chairman, Frederick Nuer, said the incident occurred on Saturday, 22 August, when about 200 armed men allegedly entered the facility and seized control of the premises.
According to Mr Nuer, the group was led by individuals who identified themselves as Clement Dzato and another known as Azuma. He said the development had raised serious concerns about the safety and future of the historic horse racing venue.
The chairman outlined the long history of horse racing in the capital, noting that the sport dates back to 1876, while the Accra Turf Club was formally established in 1923.
He explained that the current racecourse at Borteyman was developed after the club relocated from its former site in central Accra, where the National Security Secretariat and the Kempinski Hotel now stand.
Mr Nuer said the relocation was backed by a 2006 agreement with the government and followed a 2005 court ruling that recognised the club’s right to occupy 46.64 hectares of land in the Borteyman enclave.
Responding to the petition, Mr Adams thanked the club for its contribution to preserving horse racing and Ghana’s sporting heritage.
The minister described the reported demolition and takeover as unfortunate and assured the club that he would engage the appropriate state institutions to address the matter.
He also pledged to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods linked to the racecourse and ensuring a lasting resolution to the dispute.
Mr Adams further stressed the need to protect sports facilities and green spaces as part of Ghana’s broader response to climate change.
He disclosed that the government has acquired significant land in the Borteyman area and intends to develop it into a sports village, underscoring its commitment to expanding sports and recreational infrastructure across the country.
