Accra, Sept. 9, GNA 96 For the first time in the history of the Cup of Africa Nations, (CAF), a relay tour will be introduced to every country in the continent ahead of the 2008 competition to be hosted by Ghana.

The touch is to replicate what is done ahead of international games such as the Commonwealth, Olympic and other international games across the world in continental soccer fiesta.

Mr Kofi Amoah, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the CAN 2008 revealed this at the first ever Global Launching of CAN 2008 and the unveiling of a mascot and log for the competition on Friday at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

He said the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has endorsed the innovation and plans are far ahead to implement it.

According to Mr Amoah, the relay torch will be sent across the length and breath of the continent to create awareness as well as promote the success of the competition. He said the relay torch will also explain the uniqueness of the competition as well as unveil the business opportunity that comes with the event.

Mr Amoah said CAN 2008 will seek to exploit business opportunities in all sectors of the economy and announced that a business club will soon be launched to work out the modalities in getting all to be involved in the business aspects of the event.

He said events such as road shows will also be organised in all regional capitals, districts and municipalities as part of efforts to educate Ghanaians on the event.

The LOC Chairman said the road show will also ensure that every citizen in every corner of the country has the opportunity to grab business opportunities in the competition. Mr Amoah said the Committee will customise new ideas learnt at the 2006 World Cup in Germany to fit the Ghanaian system to ensure a successful tournament.

He however assured all that security and sanitation will be at the highest level, before, during and after the tournament. Papa Owusu Ankomah, Minister of Education, Science and Sports said his outfit will continue to support the LOC to organise a tournament that will remain in the memories of all.

He expressed the hope that adequate funds will be made available on time by the Government for the programmes of the LOC, since the budget for the hosting of the event need to be factored into the 2007 budget which is expected to be read later in the year.