Accra, Aug. 18, GNA - The Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama visits the Ghana Soccer Centre of Excellence at Prampram on Tuesday to cut the sod for the recommencement of work, a statement from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said on Monday.

The centre dubbed "the engine house of soccer development of Ghana" is estimated to cost 800 million-dollar with funding from the GFA, the government of Ghana and the World soccer controlling body, FIFA, under its Goal Project.

The statement said the GFA is doling out 175,000 dollars; the government is contributing 225,000 dollars while FIFA is helping with 400,000 dollars.

The statement signed by Mr Kofi Nsiah, General Secretary of the GFA, said the first phase of the project comprising two playing fields, lecture halls, canteen, a gymnasium and accommodation units is scheduled to be completed within the next six months.

"......A third pitch with artificial turf is expected to be added in due course to make Ghana one of the two countries in the West African sub-region to enjoy such a facility", the statement said.

The centre will train among others, football administrators, coaches, referees, sports medicine personnel and technical handlers. The statement said the centre is expected to house the entire national teams to save the nation from spending money on hotels.

"The centre will become the heart and platform for the soccer renaissance of our dear country", the statement added.