Accra, Jan. 9, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday inspected renovation works being carried out at the State Banquet Hall at a cost of 15 billion cedis.

The renovation, which started in June 2006, is scheduled for completion by February 25, 2007, ahead of the Golden Jubilee anniversary.

The scope of work involves, improving the floor and walls with tiles, lighting system, furnishing, fixing of a central air-conditioner and fire alarm system as well as external works on the fountain. President Kufuor, who was conducted round by Ms Sheila Sackey, Comptroller of the Presidential Household, told the Contractors, KBA Engineering, that the Government wanted the job done by the middle of February 2007.

This, he said, would allow the systems to be properly checked to avoid any disappointment.

Mr Ohene Menya, the Project Engineer, said their major constraint used to be financing, but with that problem now solved, they would deliver by the new date fixed by the President.

The last time the Hall was maintained was in 1991, about 16 years ago.

President Kufuor later inspected the Accra International Conference Centre.

This comes as the nation readies itself to play host to a number of dignitaries expected in the country to attend the Jubilee Celebration and some high-profile international conferences in the course of the year.