The Essipong Sports Stadium, which has deteriorated since 2018 and remained closed for renovation works, has finally received a major facelift.
The once-neglected facility now boasts a rehabilitated pitch and a befitting roof which led to the closure of the facility.
The Western Region National Sports Authority boss, Joseph Alarbi Bortey, explained what has been happening at the stadium and the work done so far.
“Gradually, we are getting somewhere, the roof structure which led to the renovation of the facility has been completed nicely and other works are ongoing,” he indicated.
With the readiness of the pitch for league games, Division One League side Skyy FC have submitted a request to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to use the facility as their alternative venue for the upcoming league season.
“The pitch is ready to host football matches, the only thing left is some auxiliary things to be able to host matches but the pitch is ready, we only need to do the various demarcations like in the form of pitch preparations which can be done just a day and play a game,” Alarbi Bortey said.
The old scoreboard has been removed and a new one has been brought to the facility ready to be installed and also new LED floodlights are ready to replace the old ones.
However, the major challenge left to be fixed is the lighting situation which is malfunctioning because of the poor electrical connections.
“What we are yet to see is the electrical works, and my understanding is that they are yet to give approval.
“However, we have to also commend the Sports and Recreation Minister, Hon. Kofi Adams, who sent some team members to do a thorough inspection of the facility and it is promising the facility will come back soon,” the NSA, Western Region boss said.
By Francis Hema|Connect FM|Onua online.com|Ghana
