President Tasks NSC To Manage Stadium Well

President Kufour Cutting the tape to inaugrate the refurbished Ohene Djan Stadium

President John Agyekum Kufuor yesterday tasked the National Sports Council (NSC) to adopt the best management, economic and safety practices in the administration of the refurbished Ohene Djan Stadium. He said this would enable the Council to raise adequate revenue from the facility for its maintenance.

President Kufuor said this when he inaugurated the stadium, which underwent a massive renovation exercise in preparations for Ghana 2008 Africa Cup of Nations fixed for January 20 to February 10, 2008. He said the Government had plans of providing similar facilities in all the 10 regions of the country in a bid to afford every citizen the opportunity to participate in sports.

President Kufuor said the completion of the stadium was an indication of Ghana's preparedness to host the rest of the Continent in the month-long soccer fiesta. He therefore, called on all Ghanaians to support the nation in hosting a memorable competition.

President Kufuor said 'we must all put our acts together to host a memorable event'. The President also took the opportunity to wish Accra Hearts of Oak a happy birthday on their 96th anniversary celebration. The National Under-17 team, the Black Starlets beat their Togolese counterparts by four goals to one in the inaugural match.

President Kufuor inspected the teams and took the kick off. The venue would host next Friday's Olympic Games Qualifier between the Black Meteors of Ghana and their Nigerian counterparts.

From November 17 to November 21, 2007 the Black Stars would engage United Arab Emirates (UAE), Togo and Benin in a four-nation tournament at the stadium.