Cape Coast , May 16, GNA – The Central Region Secretariat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Monday debunked claim by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government that the proposed Cape Coast stadium project has not been awarded on contract.
The NPP branch said the allegation is “incessant lies and wild spins” to cover the NDC Government’s inability to continue with the execution of the project, which was awarded to POL-MOT Holdings SA of Poland in March 2008, at the cost of 25 million US dollars.
At a press conference, organised by NPP Regional branch, in Cape Coast on Monday, the Nana Ato Arthur, former NPP Regional Minister, said he was at post when the contract was awarded and refuted the NDC claim.
He said that the proposed stadium had 15,000 sitting capacity, a contract sum excluding external works and it was awarded on contract before NPP exited office in 2009.
The Nana Ato Arthur said the project, which was dear to the hearts of the people of Cape Coast , had recently been a subject of discussion on almost all the radio stations in the area.
The Nana Ato Arthur said that the debate was characterised by accusations and counter accusations by politicians from the NDC and NPP.
He said the current Regional Minister, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa-Doe, alleged at public functions that the NDC Government had not seen any documents on the contract for it to be continued.
Nana Arthur said the proposed 32 acre site for the project was Akotokyir near the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
He explained that it was in fulfillment of a promise by former President John Agyekum Kufuor to the chiefs and people of Cape Coast during the Fetu Afahye Festival in 2007, to build a new stadium, establish a medical school and build a new market among other assurances.
Nana Arthur said the 32 acre-land for the project was acquired by the UCC authorities, who released 14 acres, while owners of the remaining 18 acres, which had permanent and temporary structures on it and valued at GH¢ 807,276.57 were to be compensated.
He said in February 2008, preparatory activities for commencement of the project was carried out during which water and electricity was extended to the site.
Nana Arthur said stumps and weeds were cleared, earthworks-cutting formation done, a storm drain, geo-technical survey and design of roads were also awarded at an estimated cost of GH¢ 2,396,240.83.
He also explained that on March 27, 2008 an agreement on the project was signed between the Government of Ghana represented by the then Minister of Education, Science and Sports (employer) and POL-MOT Holdings and said on December 3, 2008 POL-MOT submitted advanced invoice No. CCSG/01/2008 of USD 6,000,000, to the employer for payment.
According to the former Regional Minister, in August 2008, compensation claims for permanent structures totaling about GH¢ 320, 942.83 were paid to four property owners while the remaining two and the temporary structures had been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for payment.
Nana Arthur, who was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Professor Dominic Fobih, showed journalists copies of the contract document.
The former Regional Minister also showed letters signed by the former Youth and Sports Minister in the current NDC administration, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, meant for officials of POL-MOT Holdings SA in which a request was made for an increase in the sitting capacity of the stadium from 15,000 to 20,000 and wondered why that request was made if no contract was awarded or documents were not found at the Ministry.
Nana Arthur asked the NDC administration to stop peddling lies and “come clear with the good people of Cape Coast ” that they were unable to continue with the project.
GNA
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