Three to sue over demolition of Race Course

Accra, Aug. 14, GNA - A stable manager and two members of the Accra Turf Club have declared their intention to institute legal action against the government in connection with the recent demolition of structures at the Accra Race Course.

Nana Kwame Dua Agyeman, a stable manager, Mr Sidiku Braimah and Alhaji Yisdif Mahama, both members of the Accra Turf Club, are seeking an order of perpetual injunction directed at the government and/or Cascade Development Limited or any of their workmen and assigns to restrain them from engaging in any development work on any part or portion of the Accra Race Course. They are also seeking a declaration that any purported alienation of any portion of the Accra Race Course, which land was granted government by the Osu Stool for the purpose of horse racing, is unlawful.

In a letter to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice written by the Legal Resource Centre the three men are also seeking a declaration that any purported relocation of the sport of horse racing without reference to any commission and/or horse owners, jockeys, grooms and trainers is unlawful.

They are also seeking a declaration that "notices to quit issued by the Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the President and/or the Ghana Tourist Board to horse owners, jockeys, trainers and grooms and others associated with the sport of horse racing to vacate the Accra Race course is of no effect", the letter said. The three men are seeking the declaration that the demolition of the stands, stables, paddock, tote and other properties belonging to the Accra Turf Club and/or the horse owners, grooms, jockeys and trainers is unlawful.

They are also seeking an order of compensation for expenses incurred on 200 horses at GH¢250 per month per horse without any benefits from the horses by way of races since January 19, 2008. Structures on the Accra Race Course are being demolished to pave way for a hotel to be constructed on the site.