Borteyman Sports Complex wasn't used for church service but a church-facilitated students’ visitation — NSA

The National Sports Authority (NSA) has denied claims that the newly constructed Borteyman Sports Complex in Accra was handed over for a church programme.

In a statement dated June 25, Majeed Bawa, the Venue Manager of the Borteyman Sports Complex, said the facility was visited by university students as part of an educational tour and not for a church service as reported.

"A letter sent to us stated that 'the SRC of the University of Ghana, University of Professional Studies, Valley View University, and other institutions requested a special visitation to the Borteyman Sports Complex as part of a tour of the newest attraction in Accra'," read part of the statement.

It added that the students intended to tour the facilities at the venue.

A church was supposed to provide transportation for the students, and subsequently, a Deputy Minister was scheduled to give them a lecture on leadership.

"Therefore, they were granted access to the hall for this purpose," noted the statement.

The Venue Manager was present during the students' visit and noticed a church banner in the hall.

However, he said the explanation provided was that the church facilitated the students' trip, hence the presence of the banners.

"It is important to note that there were many Muslim students in attendance, some of whom were wearing hijab," it said.

The statement added: "It is, therefore, surprising and unfortunate that stories have emerged suggesting the facility was handed out for a Church programme."