By: Marie Aziz Tunde
Works on the $16.2 million 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. But the pitch, can be utilized for football matches by the first quarter of 2023.
Michelette Company Limited (Civil Engineering and Building Contractors) 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.
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 these partners since the inception of the project for them to make some inputs.
He said the stadium, which has a sitting capacity of 400 will have 10,400-seat upon completion; “this park, is by FIFA standard and that International match 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 whilst others are workers with specialized 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.
Challenges
- COVID-19 locked down affected the work as some of the workers travelled to their various homes.
- Delayed in getting hot galvanized steel from off shore for roofing
- Persistent rain falls at Tarkwa among others
Adolf Amevor, Project Manager of Micheletti Company Limited added that “we had challenge in terms of skilled gap so, we had to import people from Accra to have the best of standard”.
Also, he noted that “most of the youth in this area are not interested in construction but galamsey activities, if this project was Accra, you will see a lot of guys at the gate looking for job”.
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”.
