Dr. Bella Bello-Bitugu, Director of Sports at the University of Ghana, has revealed plans for the Legon Stadium to be managed under the university’s administration following its role as the venue for the 13th African Games.
The stadium, boasting a seating capacity of 10,000, was inaugurated on March 1 and is poised to host the Games’ opening ceremony on March 8th.
Constructed at a cost of $34 million, alongside the Rugby Stadium, and complemented by the Games Village built by Mawums Ltd for $16 million, these facilities underscore the government’s commitment to a successful African Games and a lasting sports development legacy in Ghana.
In an interview with Citi Sports, Dr. Bello-Bitugu stressed the university’s commitment to maintaining the infrastructure in excellent condition beyond the Games. She outlined the arrangement with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), highlighting the university’s cooperation in providing necessary support to ensure the success of the Games.
Following the conclusion of the event, the facilities will revert to the university’s management, contributing to ongoing efforts to enhance sports infrastructure and development in Ghana.
“Well, the arrangement with the LOC is that we are, if you like, lending them the space which is the stadium, the rugby stadium, the warm -up pitch, and then the games village where the people, athletes, and some technical officials will be, and then feeding clinic, etc.”
“We’ve given them, and they are doing it to the best of their ability, whatever arrangement it is between or among them with the various contractors and the various service providers.”
“Beyond that, everything is being done in terms of the fittings, in terms of the equipment, in terms of the service providers, etc.”
“So these are things that the University of Ghana is enhancing and facilitating after the games facilities will then be given back to us, but at the moment we are cooperating with them, giving them whatever they need to make their games a success”
“So that is what we are doing, and that’s why I’m standing here before you as well.”
In a vibrant celebration marking the commencement of the Games, Ghanaian musicians King Promise and Shatta Wale are set to headline the opening ceremony at the Legon Stadium on March 8, 2024.
