Stadium Commission moves to Tema

The Commission appointed by the government to probe the May 9 Accra Sports Stadium disaster on Thursday moved to Tema to assess the situation at the Tema Sport Stadium.

Led by Professor Ofosu Amaarh, Acting Chairman, the Commission is specifically seeking to know what security and safety measures have been put in place for spectators, footballers, and team officials.

Mr Emmanuel Ofori, Higher Executive Officer of the National Sports Council in charge of the Tema Sports Stadium told the Commission that though the stadium can accommodate about 7,000 people, it lacks seating arrangements thus compelling spectators to stand.

He said where the number becomes greater he hires extra chairs and opens all the four exit gates and seven ticket points in such situations.

The Commission learnt to their surprise that it is only Ghapoha team, which deploys a medical doctor when they are playing at the stadium.

However, the Sports Council engages the services of the Red Cross Society, police personnel and provides a stretcher while the clubs also provide their own security in addition.

Mr Ofori said the sorry state of facilities have also contributed to poor patronage, adding that he banned school pupils from using the stadium because one of them was trapped to death by the weak wall during an inter-schools game about four years ago.

Mr Joe Anikpi, Greater Accra Regional Sports Development Officer told the Committee that last year after persistent request the Ministry of Youth and Sports allocated 50 million cedis for maintenance work at the stadium but the Architectural Engineering Services Limited (AEDL) which was contracted to carry out the job has been delaying.