Parliamentary Select Committee inspects Tamale Sports Stadium

Tamale, March 27, GNA - The Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture on Saturday expressed concern about the unfinished portions of the Tamale Sports Stadium, and said it needed to be completed t enhance sports development.

Mr Stephen Ackah, Chairman of the Committee expressed the concern in Tamale when he led a delegation of Committee members on an inspection tour of the facility on Saturday.

The tour was to enable members to assess at first hand how funds allocated to the Ministry of Youth and Sports could be utilized for renovation of projects within its jurisdiction and to see how the remaining works at the new stadiums undertaking during the 2008 Nations Cup could be utilised and put into use.

Areas the committee inspected included the gymnasium, dressing rooms for players and referees, hostel facilities, restaurant and stores as well as the spectator stands.

Some of the areas yet to be completed included are the hotel facilities, restaurant, stores and conference rooms. Briefing the media after the inspection, Mr Ackah said even though the Committee was not privy to the detailed contract agreement it was likely the remaining unfinished portions were not part of the first phase of the contract.

Mr Ackah explained that such contracts are often given in phases but said that he could not tell whether the unfinished portions were part of the first or second phases but assured the media that the committee's findings would be presented to Parliament for the sector Minister to find answers to it.

The chairman advised people of in the Region to protect the facility as it is a monument for the future generations and also to develop and enhance sporting activities in the area.

He commended the management of the Northern Regional Sports Council and asked them to continue with their maintenance culture and advice that they should also open their offices for public functions to generate internal income.

Mr Bosco Abase, the Northern Regional Sports Development officer complained of inadequate personnel abs said that hampers administrative work.