Ofori reacts to closure of Accra Stadium

Mr Nelson Ofori, Head of the Public Relations outfit of National Sports Council, has pleaded with Ghanaians not to read meanings into the recent action by the NSC to shut the pitch at the Accra Sports Stadium for refurbishment.

Speaking to the GNA, Mr Ofori said the closure of the pitch was mainly technical since we need enough time to prepare the grounds for the upcoming CAF Champions league final match between Hearts of Oaks and Esperance of Tunisia on December 17.

" It looks like Ghanaians are playing down the significance of the finals, which is equally important as the Cup of Nations, ...that is why the entire executives of CAF would be coming to Accra and everything has to be put in order before the date"

The NSC last Sunday announced that it was closing the pitch till further notice to enable it complete refurbishment work before the grand finale. The decision has not gone down well with sections of football public especially supporters of Kumasi Asante Kotoko whose team is scheduled to take on the Champion club of Togo in an International friendly match at the venue.

" The decision to close the playing pitch is not the decision of the NSC but rather the technical men of the Parks and Garden who are in-charge of the work on the pitch."

Mr Ofori stated that it is only the soccer pitch that has been closed down but the other facilities are still opened to the public; hence the musical concert schedule at the Stadium would go ahead because only the stands would be used.

On the recent thefts and destruction of some Stadium facilities, he said the spate of the destruction has now reduced considerably since "people are now aware that they are being watched".

"I am pleading with the Public to be vigilant and be on the guard because most of the time the stealing goes on when the game is at its peak and most people are glued to their seats."