Works on the US$16.2million renovation and upgrade of Tarkwa and Abosso (T&A) Sports Stadium in the Western Region is about 73 percent complete.
The project, which was started in the first quarter of 2020 by Gold Fields Ghana Limited through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, is expected to be completed by December 2022. However, the pitch can be used for football matches by the first quarter of 2023.
Speaking to the media during a visit to the T&A Park, Roger Adama, Project Manager of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, explained that there have been quarterly meetings with partners since the inception of the project for them to make some inputs.
He said the stadium, which currently has a seating capacity of 400, will have 10,400-seat upon completion.
“This park meets FIFA’s standard; and international matches can be played here. We have the Presidential and VIP area which is segregated, flood light, electronic score board, standby generators, emergency service areas, FA meeting rooms, press meeting rooms, among others,” he said.
He mentioned that 61 percent of the labourers are from the Tarkwa Municipality while, other workers with specialised skills which could not be found in the area were brought from Accra.
According to Mr. Adama, 78 percent of the materials for construction, consumables, food, among others were sublet to companies and individuals in Tarkwa.
Michelette Company Limited is the one main contractor doing all the works, and Top Technocrats Ghana Limited is the consultant.
Other partners are the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly, Sports Council, Churches, Medeama Football Club, Chiefs, and other interested parties.
Challenges
Among the challenges that have affected the project, are: the COVID-19 lockdown where some of the workers travelled to their various homes; delay in getting hot galvanised steel from off-shore for roofing; and persistent rainfalls at Tarkwa, he noted.
He explained that the park will have four stands namely: white, gold, blue and yellow, and there will be stores under some of the stands.
Mr. Robert Siaw, Regional Community Relations Manager of Gold Fields said: “After completion, the facility would be managed by stakeholders such as the Municipal Assembly”.
