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19.12.2014 Sports News

Sports Authority Owe ECG GH¢600,000

By Daily Guide
Sports Authority Owe ECG GH600,000
19.12.2014 LISTEN

NSA chief Kpenge sandwiched by Erica Banoeyele, and Saka Acquaye, Accountant and Sports Development Officer of NSA respectively

Reports reaching DAILY GUIDE SPORTS indicate that the National Sports Authority (NSA) is indebted to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to the tune of GH¢600,000.

The said amount represents debt of electricity bills from the Accra, Kumasi, Essipong and National Hockey stadia.

Officials of the Authority pointed out that three of the four national sports facilities – Accra, Essipong and Kumasi – have since 2008 not footed any substantial bill.

The debt situation and other factors militating against the Authority have necessitated the adoption of the Public Private Partnership module.

At a media briefing at the Media Centre of the Accra Stadium yesterday, Director General of NSA Joe Kpenge pointed out that his outfit decided to partner the private sector owing to the under utilization of the facilities as well as the debt engulfing the outfit.

The NSA chief, outlining requirements for prospective partners, said incoming private partners should have sound financial backing, a good track record, possess the ability to generate as well as inject revenue, a complete documentation with Internal Revenue Service certificates among other requirements.

He pointed out that the deadline for applications is December 22, and that the process would be guided by normal procurement laws.

The NSA boss mentioned that an evaluation team would be formed to pick up the best applicants after they have been shortlisted.

He noted that thereafter, the applicants would be asked to submit their proposals, negotiate with the Authority before sending it to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

He gave the assurance that the initiative has no intentions of selling out the facilities outright.

The national stadiums have been under-utilized and poorly maintained since its construction and renovation in 2008, as a result stoking controversy among sports fans who are in favour of its privatization.

By Kofi Owusu Aduonum

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