Imported sand for Hockey-Astro-turf

Accra (Greater Accra) 23 June '99

The commissioning of the much-awaited Astro-turf, at the National Hockey Pitch in Accra, which was scheduled to be completed and commissioned in December last year, would finally take place on Saturday, July 24.

Mr Oko Nikoi Dzani, Chairman of the Ghana Hockey Association (GHA) said at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday that the delay was due to the late arrival of a special type of sand that had to be put on the artificial carpet, to make it firm.

He said the contractors, Astro-Turf Company based in Holland, had initially planned to obtain the sand locally but when that failed, they had to import it from Holland and that led to the delay.

" However, the pitch is now ready and representatives of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) have certified that it is up to international standards and even, the Greater Accra Hockey Association has started honouring their league matches on it"

Mr Dzani said the GHA now has to fix advertising boards, drainage systems, a scoring board, rehabilitate the stands, changing rooms and fence the pitch.

"By Saturday, July 24, all these would be completed and then we can be in a firm position to host international tournaments".

He said, though hockey has not gained the attention and financial support from the government, with the Astro-turf in place, Ghana, would regain her status as one of the best hockey nations in Africa.

"I, therefore, want to use this opportunity to urge the national hockey team, the Black Sticks, who are preparing for the All Africa Games, slated for South Africa in September to train harder and prove how capable they are", he said.

Members of the team, who were training on the pitch, gave the assurance that they were going to put in their best and make the nation proud.

The turf, initially estimated to cost 200,000 dollars, is expected to last between 15 to 20 years.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), through the International Hockey Federation (FIH), and the Ghana government through, seven local companies jointly financed it.

GRi../