Sports Minister directs setting up of marketing units
 
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has asked regional sports directorates (RSDs) to establish marketing units to help come up with innovative ways to generate more funds internally.

This, he said, was vital to assure the National Sports Authority (NSA) of adequate resources for proper maintenance of the various state-owned stadia, some of these were fast deteriorating.

He was interacting with the staff of the NSA in Kumasi after inspecting facilities at the 40,000-capacity Baba Yara Stadium.

Nii Vanderpuye noted that the lack of funds had become a major headache for the sports directorates and resulted in poor management of many of the sports venues.

Essipong, Accra and Baba Yara stadia, upgraded to international standards to host the African Nations Cup tournament in 2008, were now in poor state – many of the washrooms, seats and inner perimeter had been destroyed, a development which was affecting smooth organization of events, including soccer matches.        

The Minister said there could be no doubt that if restored to good condition, these places could become financially-viable.

He directed the RSDs to be vigilant at the gates, especially during international football matches in order to check fraudulent practices.

“The ministry is putting in place comprehensive security arrangements to help the nation maximize profit from matches involving the Black Stars and other national teams”, he added.
 

GNA