Prez Mahama opens Cape Coast stadium

President John Dramani Mahama Tuesday inaugurated the newly built Cape Coast Sports Stadium in the Central Region, saying the government had given approval for the creation of a separate unit under the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the management of sporting facilities such as stadia. 

The approval, he said, followed a request by the ministry to ensure the effective management of the country's stadia.

There is grave concern over the fast deterioration of most of the stadia in the country. There is the fear that the newly built facility could be left to rot if serious attention is not given to it.

Funding

The 16,000-capacity multi-purpose stadium was funded by the Chinese government as its contribution towards the development of sports infrastructure in the country.

President Mahama said when the project began, there were cynics who saw the architectural designs and compared them with the Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom, which could not come to fruition in Ghana.

"Sorry, this is your own sports stadium in Cape Coast," he said.

Late President Mills

President Mahama lauded  President John Evans Atta Mills, who initiated the project, along with the Kotokuraba Market, for his determination and perseverance to build the facility.

Prez Mahama and the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Sun Baohong

"I believe the spirit of President Mills, who nurtured this magnificent project, is here with us,” he stated.

The President said the facility was unique and one of the best in the country, adding, "This is a stadium Ghana can be proud of."

Prez Mahama testing his skill at Table Tennis

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Ms Sun Baohong, said the project would enhance cooperation between the two countries, which dates back more than 50 years.

She said China had supported Ghana in the fields of education, agriculture and sports.

She presented 300 footballs to the youth of the country.