Accra: The Ghana Police Service's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested Dr Clemence Gyato as part of investigations into the demolition of the Accra Race Course at Borteyman and the reported forceful takeover of the facility. Dr Gyato was arrested on September 10, 2026, as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the August 22 demolition and establish the individuals or authorities who sanctioned the exercise.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Gyato remains in police custody and is assisting with the investigations. His arrest does not mean that he has been found criminally liable for the incident. The development comes amid public concern over the destruction of the historic race course, which has drawn reactions from members of Ghana's horse racing community.
The police had earlier interdicted DSP Alhassan Malaika Jibril over his alleged role in the demolition. He was accused of providing security for the operation and leading police personnel deployed to the facility during the exercise.
The Accra Turf Club has alleged that approximately 200 armed men stormed the race course on August 22 with an excavator and nine bulldozers. The group reportedly demolished more than 100 horse stables and destroyed sections of the track, including railings and other structures.
The demolition has prompted condemnation from the Accra Turf Club and other stakeholders, who have questioned the authority under which the exercise was carried out and demanded a full investigation into the reported takeover of the property. Pressure on the government increased on September 10 when members of the horse racing community took to the streets of Accra to protest the development.
The protesters also submitted petitions to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Sports, and the Presidency, calling for immediate action to safeguard the facility and clarify how the demolition and reported takeover occurred. The investigation remains ongoing.