Accra, Nov. 11, GNA - Mr Frank Nwokolo Nelson, Vice-Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of Accra Hearts of Oak has underscored the need for the adoption of maintenance culture to keep the refurbished Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in tip-top shape. The renovated national stadium was officially inaugurated on Sunday by President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Mr Nelson said he believed that only a positive maintenance culture would put the stadium in good shape for posterity. Speaking to the GNA Sports on the 40,000-seater stadium, Mr Nelson said the current edifice was a major improvement on the previous state and would play a vital role in the development of the game.
"The stadium looks good and has all the facilities of a modern stadium."
The Black Starlets hosted their Togolese counterparts in an international friendly but Mr Nelson, who doubles as Board member of Hearts of Oak, said he would have preferred a match between the nation's two most glamorous clubs; Hearts and Kotoko.
"I think a match between Hearts and Kotoko would have attracted many more fans to the stadium to test the facilities." Mr Moses Foh-Amoaning, a football analyst, raised concern over the size of the ultra-modern scoreboard as being a major blemish on the new facility.
Mr Foh Amoaning, who is also the Chairman of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), said size of the scoreboard did not befit the facility. "The scoreboard is too small for a 40,000 capacity stadium," Mr Amoaning lamented.
He also called for the provision of commentary boxes for broadcasters.
He said he was however excited about the nature of the pitch but called for some modifications in the form of patterns as those in the developed countries.
Another fan Kwame Boateng expressed delight at the new facility and commended the contractors for a wonderful job done. "The Stadium now looks beautiful and almost new," said an elated Boateng, who was visiting the national stadium for the first time in four years.
The Ohene Djan Sports Stadium would host the opening and closing matches during Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Tournament slated for January 20 to February 10,2008. 11 Nov. 07
