Deputy Minister happy with ECOWAS Games preparations

Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports says Ghana is within schedule to deliver a fine tournament when countries in the Sub-Region gather for the 2012 Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS) Games, scheduled for 16-22 June.

With barely three-weeks to the opening of the games, Dr Omane Boamah who doubles as Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), says Ghana has reached an advance stage in the area of preparation for the biannual meeting.

After an inspection visit to the El-Wak Stadium on Monday, the Deputy Minister told GNA Sports that renovation works on the tartan tracks being carried out by construction firm, Micheletti, was nearing the appreciable standard.

He affirmed that the venue scheduled to host the track and field events of the sub-regional competition will be ready with major face lifting nearing completion.

"Considering the space of time that we had, good work has been done this far. The potholes on the tracks are gone and what is left to be done now is the cosmetic or the enhancement works on the tracks.

We are also looking to put finishing touches to the jump pit in order to avoid head injuries."

The Deputy Minister told GNA Sports that, issues such as accommodation have been addressed with the University of Ghana, selected as the Games village for the expected 15 participating countries from the Sub-Region.

He said challenges such as the water shortage that engulfed the Unity Games last year has been addressed to give the athletes a perfect Games Village to aid their participation.

Jimmy Castagna, Managing Director of Micheletti, said they are replacing the deteriorated portions of the tartan tracks for the sprints. He assured that they were certain of meeting the June 8 deadline for the works.

Meanwhile, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) has joined the list of sponsors for the six-day Games.

The ECOWAS Games is open to athletes of not more than 23-years from the 15-member countries, who will vie for honours in disciplines such as Athletics, Boxing, Handball, Volleyball and traditional Wrestling.

Nigeria hosted the maiden edition of the ECOWAS Games in 2010.**