General News of Friday, 20 June 2014

Source: GNA

Sports minister justifies selection camp

Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Minister of Youth and Sports (MOYS) has said cost was a major consideration in the selection of accommodation facility for Ghana’s football fans in Brazil.

According to the minister, they had to settle on Mardunas Centro De Eventos due to constraints in securing funding for the mobilisation of supporters to Brazil.

“We must bear in mind that this trip was not funded by government but from corporate bodies. So we were limited hence the need to live within our means," he told the media in a brief interaction at the hotel on Wednesday.

According to the minister, his outfit also took into consideration the huge nature of the facility adding it was the only venue that could house over 500 fans.

Afriyie-Ankrah said they had other facilities in the middle of town, but it was not big enough to accommodate the large number of fans.

“Our plan was to keep all the supporters at one place so we can manage them effectively and keep our eyes on them each day.

“And the facility though is at the outskirt of town offered us the best opportunity".

He however admitted that, the facility was out of town and limits movement, but noted that plans were in place to ensure the smooth movement of people to town each day.

“Aside everything, this place is a resort and resorts are always out of town. But I think it remains the best facility in town.”

Mardunas Centro De Eventos, 185 apartment facility with serene environment, with facilities like pool, football pitch, pool tables.

Rooms at the facility accommodates a minimum of two and maximum of ten beds, with each room fitted with air conditions, toilet and bath.