Abuakwa state wants a stadium

The Chiefs and People of Akyem Abuakwa have appealed to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Edward Osei-Kwaku, to help them build a modern stadium in the area as part of the ministry's proposed infrastructural drive.

The traditional area, which boast of two elite clubs- Kwaebibirem and Suhum Maxbees- lacked any stadium of their own and they are therefore compelled to travel to other centres to honour matches.

Nana Fredua Agyemang, Apagyahene of Akyem Abuakwa made the appeal on behalf of the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin at the launch of the Mylik Classic Under-19 Football Tournament scheduled for 20 - 30 November at the Accra Sports Stadium.

In all, eight teams including Leyton Orient from England, Racing Club from Cote D'Ivoire, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be participating.

The teams would be put into two groups with the two top winners in each group playing in the semis finals. The two winning teams would meet in the finals on November 30.

Nana Fredua Agyemang urged the ministry to make provision for rural teams in terms of infrastructural facilities such a stadiums so that their youth would not be attracted to the nation's capital. "We want to enjoy the facilities that the people in the cities enjoy", the chief said and urged the ministry to take a second look at the distribution of sporting facilities in the country.

"The minister has earmarked certain areas for the provision of stadiums as a premise for the country to bid for the 2008 Nations' Cup but unfortunately the Abuakwa State is not included."

Dr Owusu Ansah, Acting Chief Executive of the National Sports Council who spoke on behalf of the Minister could not make any definite promise but instead commended the Okyehene for his involvement in sports, citing his defiant to tradition to participate in last year's cross country races to commemorate World Aids Day.

The Chief Executive said his outfit would donate four trophies, at the request of the Okyehene, towards this year's event.