The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament has launched its volunteer programme for the 26th edition of the continent's soccer showpiece in Accra. The event dubbed "Volu 2008" will have 2000 persons between the ages of 18 and above taking part in what has been described as the 'friendly phase' of the tournament. Mr Osei Bonsu Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports (MoESS) who launched the scheme, said it would enhance the international recognition of the country as well as serve as a major platform for advocacy on social, cultural and economic issues. He pledged Government's support towards the provision of funding and technical support for recruitment, training and subsistence issues to make it a success and urged many people to offer their help what ever capacity they can afford to ensure the programmes success. Mr Herman Beetege, consultant for the programme said that the volunteers would be based at the four main venues, health institutions and airports among other areas and would be engaged in handling such services as welcoming and language translation for guests as part of efforts to make the competition less stressful and worth its salt to create the needed impact ever. He explained that applications would be opened to Ghanaians above the ages of 18 and above as well as other nationals resident in the country. "Volunteers will be fed, clothed and provided with means of transportation," but declared that successful applicants would not be entitled to any financial benefits. The consultant encouraged older persons to apply for the scheme since their experience will be needed with the youth expected to provide the needed passion for the event. Dr Charles Brempong, Deputy Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment said the programme has a great potential for the youth to learn about different cultures through their interaction with the expected about one million visitors, which would also serve as a means of addressing some challenges of national development. He said that volunteerism is one of the ten modules of the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) and gave the assurance of his ministry's support in making the event a success and a memorable one. Mr Ian Osei Owusu and Mrs Veronica Nikoi were named as the Coordinators of the scheme. Applications will be made public in both the print and electronic media and at vantage points around the four venues.Source: GNA