Horse racing community marches on Jubilee House over Borteyman Racecourse demolition

Members of Ghana's horse racing community took to the streets of Accra this week to demand government intervention following the demolition of the Accra Turf Club's facility at Borteyman on 22 August 2026. The peaceful demonstration saw jockeys, horse owners and racing enthusiasts march from Independence Square through the capital's principal streets, highlighting growing concern over the fate of a sporting venue with decades of history in Ghana's recreational landscape.

The procession stopped at three key government institutions—the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and the Lands Commission—before concluding at the Jubilee House, where protesters formally presented their petition to presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah.

What happened at Borteyman

According to the Accra Turf Club, the facility was demolished and allegedly taken over by unknown individuals operating under security protection. The club claims the action violated an existing agreement between the State and the club regarding a land swap arrangement. In their petition, club representatives stressed the seriousness of the matter, stating: "We have come not merely to protest, but to seek the intervention of the highest office of our motherland Ghana in order for justice to prevail."

The protesters appealed directly to President John Mahama to uphold his government's stated commitment to transparent management of public property. The club noted that the President has publicly emphasised that "public property must be managed transparently," and argued that resolving this dispute would demonstrate genuine commitment to that principle.

Why it matters for Ghana

The Accra Turf Club is not simply a private business concern; it represents a significant part of Ghana's sporting heritage and leisure infrastructure. The club provides employment to jockeys, stable workers, ground staff and associated service providers whose livelihoods depend on the facility's operation. The demolition and alleged takeover therefore pose a threat to dozens of Ghanaians who rely on horse racing activities for income.

Beyond immediate employment, the racecourse holds cultural significance as a long-established sporting venue where Ghanaians have gathered for recreation and entertainment. Land disputes involving sporting facilities also reflect broader governance concerns around property rights, transparency and the rule of law—issues that affect investor confidence and public trust in institutions.

The club's invocation of the President's transparency pledge suggests they believe the government has the authority and responsibility to ensure the land agreement is respected. The fact that a state land swap was allegedly involved indicates this is not merely a private property dispute but a matter involving government obligations.

Next steps

Nana Yaa Jantuah assured the demonstrators that the President remains committed to addressing their concerns. The petition now rests with the Presidency, which must investigate the circumstances of the demolition, verify the alleged land swap agreement, and determine the appropriate course of action. The club's warning that "justice delayed is justice denied" underscores the urgency they feel, particularly given the ongoing impact on workers and the facility's operations.

The outcome of this petition could set an important precedent for how government handles disputes involving sporting infrastructure and land agreements.