SEKONDI STADIUM IS A DREAM COME TRUE (Spread Lead)

Story: Nehemia Owusu Achiaw & Kwame Asiedu Marfo, Sekondi

Thousands of residents of the twin city of Sekondi/Takoradi, as well as those from different parts of the Western Region, burst into jubilation when the newly built 20,088-seater-capacity stadium at Essipon, near Sekondi, was inaugurated by President J.A. Kufuor on Sunday.
For the chiefs and people of the region, the new stadium, which would serve as one of the venues for the 26th African Cup of Nations (Ghana 2008) tournament, was a dream come true.
Until the stadium, which cost more than $38.5 million, was constructed, the Gyandu Park was the only soccer facility of any acceptable standard in the region. The multi-functional stadium, one of the four venues of the Ghana 2008 tournament, is equipped with modern facilities.
Immediately President Kufuor unveiled the plaque and cut the tape, the people responded with thunderous applause and deafening jubilation.
In their anxiety to watch the Onetouch Premier League match between Sekondi Hasaacas and Tema Real Sportive, the spectators could not wait but clapped while officials were still delivering their speeches, to indicate to them that they were delaying the commencement of the game.
The security officials at the ceremony had a hectic time controlling the spectators when the gates were opened free of charge for the people to watch the match after the inauguration of the stadium.
Performing the inaugural ceremony, President Kufuor said the selection of Ghana as the venue for this year’s tournament gave the government the impetus to build two new stadia in Sekondi and Tamale and rehabilitate the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi and Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.
He said the government intended to build a stadium in each of the 10 regional capitals to enhance sports and youth development.
The President commended the construction company, the architects, the chiefs and the people for the various roles they played for the realisation of the project.
He stressed the need for proper management and maintenance of the stadium and advised the people to take advantage of the opportunities which the project would bring along to the twin city.
The Minister of Education, Science and Sports,  Professor Dominic Fobih, said the stadium would be one of the legacies that the government had bequeathed to the people in the Western Region.
He said the government had opened a window of opportunity to the people and it was up to them to take advantage of it.
The Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area and Chairman of Sekondi Local Organising Committee, Nana Kobina Nketsia, said the occasion was very emotional and historic and commended the government for undertaking the project.