LOC identifies training pitches

Accra, Jan 20, GNA - The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of GHANA 2008 has identified the various training pitches that will be used during the month-long tournament.

This in sharp reaction to one of the problems raised by the inspection team of the Confederation of SAfrican football (CAF) last year.

Mr. Osei Bonsu Amoah, deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports who revealed this during the launch of the countdown to the opening ceremony of GHANA 2008 on Saturday in Accra.

Also a member of the LOC Board, the deputy Minister said that identification of the training pitches the country's readiness to host the soccer fiesta.

He said that for Accra, the El-Wak Sport Stadium, University of Ghana soccer pitch, another park at Legon and the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex will be used by the four participating teams.

The football pitch at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram according to him would be other alternative should any of the four not be ready.

Incidentally, all the pitches for Kumasi are situated in educational institutions which he said wil be one of the legacies for the insituitions after the competition.

He mentioned the Paa Joe Park at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prempeh College Park, Opoku Ware Secondary School (OWASS) Park and the T.I. Ahmadiya Secondary School Park as the main pitches with an alternative in the making. Mr. Amoah cited the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) Park, Gyandu Park, Railways Park and Hasaacas Park have been earmarked for Sekondi.

For Tamale, it will be the Kaladan Park and some educational institutions in the region.

Both the Sekondi and Tamale Stadia will have an additional training pitch to be used by one of the participating teams.

He said that LOC has dispatched a team to the various sites and assured the necessary upgradement will commence soon.

"Each training pitch will have a dressing room with a stand being considered for the Paa Joe Park at KNUST."

The deputy Minister said that the training pitches should be ready in the next three months and called for the support of all stakeholders to make that dream a reality.

He said GHANA 2008 will the nation an opportunity to showcase its history and rich culture apart from its soccer prowess. Mr. Stuart Ward, Project Manager of Michelletti and Co, contractors working on the renovation of the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium briefed members of the press on the level nof work assuring that all be set before they handover on October 31. 20 Jan 07