Stadiums to remain open till actual construction starts

Accra, Sept. 1, GNA - The two national stadiums, the Ohene Djan and Baba Yara Sports stadiums in Accra and Kumasi will remain in use for the on-going Premier League matches and other activities until the commencement of renovation works for the CAN 2008.

Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports said this at the "Meet the Press" meeting in Accra on Thursday. Following this directive, Accra Hearts of Oak, Liberty Professionals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and King Faisal will continue to use the venues for their Premier League matches as well as other continental assignments. According to the Deputy Minister, the stadiums were supposed to be closed for renovation works to start for the competition but since construction is yet to commence, the Clubs are free to use the venue for all their activities.

The Accra and Kumasi Stadiums are to undergo massive renovation exercises to serve as the official venues for the CAN 2008 competition. The Ministry at the moment is in the process of selecting a contractor to renovate the two stadiums.

According to the initial arrangements, all users of the two stadiums for the Premier League matches were supposed to relocate when the stadiums were scheduled to close down on August 15. Information gathered by the GNA Sports indicates that renovation works for the two stadiums will commence somewhere in October or early November.

This means that the Premier League would have ended at a time the renovation works commence.

Hearts and Liberty Professionals were scheduled to relocate to the El-Wak Stadium and the Dansoman Liberty Park, while Kotoko were to move to the Konongo Park with King Faisal shifting to the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium. 01 Sept. 05