A JoySports feature on the decline of horse racing in Ghana has sparked widespread reaction, with many Ghanaians sharing personal memories and calling for renewed attention to the sport.
The documentary produced by Razak Musbau titled, “Last Gallop: The Rise, Fall and Fight for Horse Racing in Ghana,” explored the journey of the sport from its glory days at the Accra Racecourse to its current struggles at Borteyman.
Following its broadcast and release online, social media platforms have been flooded with comments from viewers who remember the excitement of race days and the role the sport once played in Ghana’s sporting culture.
I remember those days on sports beat and sports highlights. It was the commentary, the names of the horses, and their jockeys that made it so exciting. We barely knew the rules, but we just loved it.
— Rev Lucky (@Rev_soglo) March 25, 2026
Horse racing in Ghana was largely a location driven sport, The overwhelming patronage was by the Zongo communities and Ga’s within central Accra. I remember visiting the race course during its sunset era when demolition/eviction had begun.
— Musa White (@musah_white) March 25, 2026
It was one of the sport I was always looking forward to watch on sports highlights by the Veteran Kwabena Yeboah. Hope it will be revive for the younger generation
— Eben (@eben_aubyn) March 25, 2026
I am that I am. Mansura. Who jah bless. Wait and see. Pablo. Etc. what I love most about horse is their background life. Where they originated and the grandparents were and where the hail from.
— Adam Hudu (@Vanistrooy) March 26, 2026
Others also shared personal connections to the sport
Oh yea. Wonder what happened to the Race course/Tabora relocation plans. The industry is also capital intensive. Will have to take a few rich owners to move the needle.
— yaw obeng (@yobeng) March 25, 2026
The feature has also sparked deeper conversations about sports development and national priorities.
This is largely because the Ministry of sports, over the years, focused almost exclusively on the Black Stars. There’s been little to no attention given to developing or promoting other sports.
Every successive minister bears responsibility for this failure.
Shameful.— Nii Ashong (@kotokuashong) March 25, 2026
It has to be part of a larger discussion of “Sports and Recreation”, a wider concept that was introduced in the 40-year Development Plan that was rejected. Now we have a ministry. “sports” must be more than football, and within football it muat be about more than Black Stars.
— Dr. Nii Moi Thompson (@NiiMoiThompson) March 26, 2026
The reactions underline both nostalgia and concern, while also pointing to a broader call for diversification in Ghana’s sporting landscape.
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