No cause for alarm - Dr Amoah

Accra, Oct 14, GNA - Dr Kofi Amoah, Board Chairman of the Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Local Organising Committee (LOC) has given the assurance that all infrastructure and facilities needed for a successful tourney would be ready.

"We are on track and I am sure everything will be ready." The LOC Board Chairman said this on Sunday at a Press Conference at the committee's secretariat after a two-day inspection tour of facilities earmarked for the competition.

Dr. Amoah's visit preludes the ninth inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which begins on Tuesday. According to him, his outfit is working hard around the clock to win the favour of the CAF inspection team for the first time to be headed by President, Issa Hayatou.

On the issue of training pitches which has generated some concern in certain quarters, he outlined that LOC has made arrangements for alternatives should the unexpected happened. Dr. Amoah mentioned the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS), University of Cape Coast Park and the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium in Cape Coast among the alternatives should any of the prescribed venues fail to meet the deadline.

With regards to the stadia, he explained that the Baba Yara and Ohene Djan Sports Stadia have reached completion stages whilst that of Essipong and Tamale is ready for official handing over. The LOC Board Chairman also said his outfit will soon undertake some programmes with regards to raising the awareness of the 26th edition of the continent's soccer showpiece. He said it was not overdue adding that the competition will be given the necessary hype in their quest to host a successful event. Dr. Amoah expressed optimism that the LOC will be given the nod by CAF after the inspection, which precedes the main draw scheduled for October 19.

The competition spans January 20 - February 10, 2008.