Sports News of Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Source: Ibrahim Sannie

Internal flights for Nations Cup launched

The local organising committee (LOC) of the next week's African Cup of Nations has approved the operation of an internal air shuttle to aid travel during the tournament.

One million visitors are expected in Ghana from this week and there have been concerns about the traffic situation in the country which is expected to be worse during the tournament wihch starts on Saturday.

As such Afritel African Cup of Nations Air Shuttle has been approved to operate return flights to all the Ghanaian cities hosting the tournament from Sunday.

The airline company will begin its Nations Cup operation from Saturday and will operate return flights from Accra to Sekondi, Kumasi and Tamale and was launched at the LOC on Monday.

To make Afritel's operations even more effective passengers will be transported from the airport to the stadium by bus on match days.

There will also be flights on non-match days to ensure that visitors to their venues for subsequent matches and other events.

"This service will enhance the swift movement of teams, officials, journalists and fans during this competition that includes many activities," Afritel consultant Justin Addo said.

"Business executives scouts and agents, with only a couple of hours to spare at each match or venue, will find that our service is the answer to their precise travelling needs and will greatly appreciate Afritel?s flights."

Ghana's Minister for Tourism Stephen Asamoah Boateng said Afritel's service has come at the right time to ensure that visitors to the country during the Nations Cup will get to their destinations on time.

"This service has come at the right time so that apart from the football our visitors can go to the other venues to see what facilites and cultural attractions we have," Boateng said.

"The Nations Cup is a big opportunity for our country and all hands must be on deck to ensure our successful hosting."

The African Cup of Nations starts in Accra on Sunday, 20 January with the opening game between Ghana and Guinea.

Lots of fans are expected to travel to to Sekondi the follwing for the game between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.