Cabinet Sub-Committee inspects work at Accra Stadium

Accra, Nov 8, GNA - The Cabinet Sub-Committee of Stadiums on Wednesday, inspected the progress of work at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra.

The Committee led by Mr Felix Owusu Agyapong, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Chairman, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Minister of Education, Science and Sports and his deputy Osei Bonsu Amoah and Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC) were conducted round the works by Mr Jimmy Castagna, Technical Director of Micheleti and Co Ghana Limited, contractors for the renovation of the Stadium for the Ghana 2008 soccer fiesta. The Ohene Djan Stadium is one of the four venues selected for the hosting of the 2008 African Cup Nations by Ghana.

The Accra venue has for the past months been undergoing an intensive renovation in preparations towards the competition.

Areas inspected by the Committee include the VIP Lounge, the car park and the all-seater 40,000 capacity stands among other facilities outlined for the stadium.

Mr Owusu-Agyapong who is also the Majority Leader in Parliament expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far and in a simple phrase, said 'So far, So good.'

He however advised the contractors to avoid petty errors in the delivery of the work since it could have ripple effects on the project after its completion.

Mr Owusu-Agyapong called on the contractors to take measures to speed up work since the Committee intends to pay periodic visits to the site after it has conducted an appraisal on their observations so far. He said that the Committee will pay similar visits to the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, the Tamale Stadium and the Sekondi Takoradi stadium later on to assess the progress of work so far done.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah noted that the inspection exercise has created the way forward for the hosting of the tournament in 2008 but tasked the contractors to provide value for money by delivering a quality job that can stand the test of time.

The rehabilitation exercise is expected to be completed by the close of October 2007, two months ahead of the commencement of the tournament, which will see the continent's best 16 Nations assembling at the center of the earth to exhibit their talents.