Bank boss expresses satisfaction with stadium's progress

Accra, July 24, GNA - Mr Craig Bond, Chief Executive of Standard Bank has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the refurbishment of the Ohene Djan Stadium currently going on as one of four venues for next year's African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Ghana.

Stanbic Bank is the co-sponsors of the 26th edition of the biennial event, which spans January 20 to February together with fellow South African telecommunication outfit, MTN.

Mr Bond who led a three-man delegation from Standard Bank, the parent company of Stanbic Ghana on an inspection tour of facilities at the renovated 40,000 all-seater stadium on Tuesday, said that the current status of work is a strong indication of the nation's readiness to host the showpiece event.

He expressed satisfaction at facilities being provided that include the four new dressing rooms, multimedia center, anti-vandal measures, the VVIP lounge as well as the Presidential lounge, which was up to international and FIFA standards.

The South African was particularly thrilled about the corporate suites with seating capacity of 20 each and did not hide his company's readiness to have one when the project was completed.

Mr Bond announced that about 120 VVIP's from the Bank's branches in South Africa, East Africa and Europe will be in the country during the Ghana 2008 Nations Cup tournament and it is in the right direction to have a first hand feel of facilities before the team arrives.

Mustapha Wahab, Project Coordinator of Michelletti and Co, contractors renovating the national stadium said that they are on schedule and will surely meet the October 31 deadline. The roofing of the VIP Stand, fixing of the floodlights and the installation of the state-of-the-art video scoreboard are the major works to be completed within the 100 days period.

Mr Bond was accompanied by Mr Kevin Wingfield, Director of Standard Bank, Africa, Greg Brackenridge, Managing Director of Standard Bank, West Africa, Mr Alhassan Andani, Managing Director of Stanbic Ghana and Mr Mawuko Afadzinu, Head of Marketing and Public Relations, Stanbic Ghana.