CAF Inspectors visit Kumasi

The Vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 2008 African Cup of Nations, Alhaji MND Jawula has assured that pragmatic renovation works would be carried out at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi in the next 18 to 20 months to make way for the successfull hosting of Africa's most prestigious soccer tournament the CAN 2008 in Ghana.

According to him Kumasi is a key source of pride to the nation because of it's stratigic location as well as being the seat of the Asante King Otumfour Osei Tutu II and will therefore serve as a crucial tourist attraction center before, during and after the CAN 2008.

Alhaji Jawula made these remarks when he took the 3-man CAF inspection team on a tour of the city. The delegation led by CAF's first Vice Chairman General Seye Memene first called on the Ashanti Regional Minister Hon. S.K Boafo at his residence. Alhaji Jawula said Kumasi can boast of some of the best hotel facilities in Africa,good telecommunication networks as well as some terrific road networks.

The Kumasi International Airport ,according to him will also be duely refurbished to it's previous standards.A lot of mordern state of the art infrastructure,according to him would also be put in place before the tournament.He was full of praise for the Regional Co-ordinating Council,adding that the warm reception given by the Regional Minister and his Deputy Patricia Appiagyei is inducative of their massive and unflinching support for the tournament.

The Consultant for the LOC,Mr Rex Danquah disclosed the that the Baba Yara Stadium have it's 45,000 seating capacity expanded to 65,000 with the 45 seater VIP enlarged to 250. The press center will also see massive refurbishment to meet international stantards so as to be able to host as many journalists as possible who will throng the stadium for the games. Mr Danquah said considerations are being made for the centre line stands of the stadium to be roofed. It shall also be an all-seater.

The City Hotel he hinted has been handed over to Golden Tulip Hotel who have assured the total rehabilitation of it for the CAN 2008. Mr Danquah stressed that the the contract for the building of new stadia as welll as the refurbishment have not been officially awarded to any contracters. But confirmed that a Chinese Company will be tasked with the constrction of the new stadia.

Mr.Danquah said by the close of 2007 some games will be organised at all the centers to test the readiness of the facilities for the tournament. General Seye Menene refused to comment on his impressions of the facilities,saying that he would only make an official statement at the right time.The delegation has since left for Tamale to continue it's inspections of facilities there.