Accra, July 1, GNA - Mr Abdul Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Youth and Sports on Wednesday visited the renovated National Hockey Stadium near the Tema station in Accra.

The visit by the Minister and his deputy, Nii Nortey Dua was also to inspect the readiness of the venue for hosting the Hockey Africa Cup for Nations, Ghana 2009 scheduled from July 10 to July 18.

Mr Pelpuo commended the contractors on the project, Micheletti Company for their sense of urgency and execution of neat works and said he was encouraged with the rate of works so far undertaking that would ensure Ghana's host a successful competition under conducive structures. The venue, which has seen a major facelift, will be inaugurated by President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday, July 6, four clear days ahead of the opening ceremony.

The renovated facility has eight security cameras fixed at vantage positions and a seating capacity for 1200 spectators including the media.

All seats for the public have been fixed as well as the 400 to be occupied by invited guests and the media.

The stadium has two emergency exits, a mixed zone and a press conference for post match interviews among others.

The only unfinished project is the laying of the water-based pitch, which is due to be completed by Saturday, July 4. A total of 20 matches will be played at the renovated Hockey Stadium during the nine-day tourney. 01 July 09