Ebola fears: Guinean fans to be given separate stands at Tamale

Soccer fans accompanying the Guinean football team for Wednesday’s AFCON qualifier against Ghana, will be given separate stands at the Tamale Sports Stadium to prevent them coming into contact with Ghanaian spectators, the Interior Minister has said.

The two countries will face off in the second leg of the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier in the Northern Regional Capital amid fears from the Ghanaians that some of the supporters could sneak into the country without going through the screening exercises at the ports.

The Black Stars secured a crucial away draw in the first leg played in Casablanca, Morocco due to the outbreak of Ebola in the home team’s country- one of the worst hit in West Africa.

But Interior Minister, Mark Woyongo who is on a tour of the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, has told Joy News’ Seth Kwame Boateng the Guineans will be closely monitored before, during and after the game.

“The Police Administration has been instructed to pay particular attention to that match, especially with regard to people who are coming in from outside the country (Guineans),” the Minister said.

He said: “Additionally, the police have been asked to liaise with the sports authorities to ensure that if Guineans come in they are given a separate stand so that we don’t have the fear of our people getting contaminated.

According to him, Port Health Authorities at the Paga border have also been given the necessary tools to enable them thoroughly screen fans coming in to watch the game.

“They will be screened thoroughly at the entry points but assuming one or two should slip in, they will be given separate stands (at the stadium) so that there will not be an opportunity for them to mingle with Ghanaian spectators”.