Bid Committee proposes commercially oriented stadia

Accra, may 28, GNA - The CAN 2008 Ghana Bid Committee has proposed the development of commercially oriented sports stadia in the country as a way of generating revenue to the state throughout the year.

Consequently, existing major stadia in the country and those proposed for Tamale and Sekondi are to develop facilities that include commercial car parks, shopping malls, executive lounges for corporate organisations and other commercial infrastructural edifices.

These decisions were sequel to a meeting held between the Bid Committee and the ministerial team of the Education Youth and Sports ministry, headed by the sector minister, Mr Kwadweo Baah-Wiredu. Also present were Alhaji Rashid Bawa, minister of state and Mr Joe Aggrey, deputy minister.

A press release issued by Mr Rex Danquah, Coordinating Director of the Committee of behalf members said a three-storied commercial car park has been proposed for Accra in addition to the other propositions. It said the meeting was to brief the ministers about CAF inspection team's visit to Ghana, the inauguration of an Inter Ministerial Task Force on CAN 2008 Bid Campaign and the Funding and Construction of Stadia and the upgrading of existing ones.

The release said Dr Kofi Amoah, chairman of the Bid Committee informed the ministers that the CAF inspection team, would in addition to the inspection of facilities in connection to the Bid visit the Centre of Excellence at Prampram and the CAF Training Academy Site, off the Accra-Tema Motorway.

It said the minister was very pleased with the performance of the Bid Committee and reiterated the total commitment of government to the hosting of "the enviable fiesta."

In addition, Mr Baah-Wiredu tasked the Committee to link their work "to the general efforts at getting the national team, the Black Stars to participate in the 2006 World Cup."

The minister asked members to meet regularly and ensure that requirements of CAF are met before the visit of the inspectors next month.

He lauded the creation of the inter ministerial task force which he said would lend governmental support to the work of the bidding committee.

Members who attended the meeting included Mr Van Lere Dosoo, first deputy chairman, Mr Martin Eson-Banjamin, second deputy chairman, Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, chairman of the Ghana Football Association, Mr Kwame Ofosu-Bamfo, Dr Theresa Oppong-Berko, and Ms Elizabeth Adjei.