Horse owners, horse trainers and jockeys on horses took to the streets of Borteyman on Tuesday to continue the protests over the forceful demolition and takeover of the Accra Racecourse by armed men on August 22.
They held a second press conference after the peaceful protest march at the Borteyman Sports Complex, where their leaders addressed the media.
Mr. Samuel Young Acheampong, a representative of the jockeys, said they have yet to get back the land demolished at Borteyman, which has affected their livelihoods. They appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene, since horse racing has been a heritage sport since 1923 and provides income and pleasure to many people.
He wondered why Clement Dzato and his associates came to demolish the property without any notice.
Meanwhile, the said land was awarded to the Accra Turf Club after their land at the current Kempinski Hotel was taken for the NAM Conference in Accra.
They were taken to Fadama, which was encroached upon, and now, at Borteyman, which was allocated to them, they are facing problems.
“We want our land back and for the right thing to be done,” he said.
“Horse owners and race fans appeal to the government for action on the demolished Accra Racecourse,” he noted.
Murtala Alhassan Veron, a member of the Accra Turf Club and treasurer of the Accra Horse Owners Association, said the demonstration was to put across their displeasure at the unlawful demolition of their 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 Dzato and his associates of carrying out the demolition without lawful authority and called for the matter to be investigated as soon as possible.
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.
“How are we going to pay our children if our horses do not race?”
Horse owners call on the government to intensify efforts to reclaim and restore the Accra Racecourse facility.
Edmund Kwei Charway also expressed that indeed the demolition has affected them and their investments because some of them love horses and use them profitably and efficiently.
Other representatives spoke to the media in different local languages, Twi, Ga and Hausa.
Among the dignitaries who participated in the peaceful march were Chairman of the Accra Turf Club, Frederick Nuer, and Secretary Samuel Newton.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
