GENERAL NEWS

Pillars holding Accra Conference Centre very weak — Ayorkor Botchwey

Structural engineers have recommended the shutdown of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to avert any potential disaster.

Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, whose Ministry has oversight responsibility over the operations of the Centre, said steps were being taken to close down the facility for repair works.

The Minister-designate made this known when she appeared before the Parliament’s Appointment Committee on Thursday for vetting.

Ms Ayorkor Botchwey stated that, “Recommendations given by structural engineers indicate that the structure is in very bad shape.

“A visit to the basement showed that a lot of the pillars holding the building are very weak.

“It is located in a waterlogged area and so the engineers at that time used a technology that loaded boulders at the place, but we’re taking steps to close it and fix the problem”.

The Accra International Conference Centre was constructed in 1991 to host the 10th Non-Aligned Movement.

It has since hosted major international and local conferences, seminars, business meetings and prestigious events.

It was the venue the mortal remains of late former President Rawlings was laid in state from January 25-26 for public viewing, attracting people from all walks of life to pay their last respect to the national hero who ruled the country for 19 years.

The Centre is located at Christiansborg area, Accra, near the Parliament House, Accra Sports Stadium and Independence Arch.

It has 6,000 seating capacity, with the main auditorium capable to accommodate 1,600 delegates.

There are three meeting halls with 205 seating capacity each and two meeting rooms with 50 seating capacity each respectively.

—GNA

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

Related Articles

Back to top button