Nurudeen Shakdeen, who was awarded the contract to construct the 10,000-seater capacity stadium at New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region, has denied receiving a cash payment from the Sports Ministry under the John Mahama led administration.
The Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) has initiated a probe into allegations that the Sports Ministry, during the tenure of Nii Lante Vanderpuye, handed GH¢1.6 million in cash as partial payment for the New Edubiase Sports Stadium.
According to the Sports Minister Asiamah, the funding for the project was not captured in the budget for 2015 and 2016, and there is no evidence of sponsorship for the project.
Reacting to the issue on Happy FM’s Anopa Bosuo Sports with Ohene Bampoe-Brenya, Mr. Nurudeen Shakdeen confirmed receiving some payments from the Ministry but denied it was given to him in cash.
“I have a legitimate contract with the government. I presented all the relevant documents to the ministry. So it’s not true I don’t have a contract with government.”
“I was paid with a cheque from the ministry not cash as some are saying. I have all the evidence to prove it. I can send it to you if you want,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Asiamah, told Parliament that his office is in discussions with the Finance Ministry for support completion of the project.
Background
Former President John Mahama cut sod for the construction of the 10,000-seater multi-purpose stadium at New Edubiase in the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region in 2016.
The GH¢6 million project, which was awarded to SHAKDEEN, was meant to have a myriad of facilities such as a football pitch and an astro turf for hockey. It formed part of the previous government’s efforts to improve sports facilities across the country.
The New Edubiase stadium was initiated by the late President John Evans Atta Mills after pressure from the chiefs and people of the area. New Edubiase is the home of New Edubiase United Football Club, a Ghanaian football club that is a member of the Ghana Division One League.
The stadium was to serve as a key facility for the club. The project has, however, stalled.
By: Ibrahim Zibrilla
