Accra, Sept.15, GNA - Ghana has sought the support of Lufthansa German Airlines to help her ailing national carrier, Ghana Airways. Mr Emmanuel Adzei Boye, Deputy Minister of Roads and Transport, made the appeal in Accra at the weekend when he addressed the 2003 Lufthansa Travel Agents Awards Night.

Mr Boye said Lufthansa had a wealth of experience, which it could offer the Ghana Airways to take it out of the doldrums.

"Lufthansa has a lot of experience which it can offer Ghana Airways to help it to overcome its current difficulties. You know the problems we have, and having covered the world over, I believe that Lufthansa can bring home some tit-bits on the way forward."

He congratulated Lufthansa for the rising number of flights from Accra, which has gone up from twice a week to five times a week. A representative of the German Embassy said the Airline industry suffered a severe jolt with the events of September 11, 2001, American attack on Iraq and the recent SARS disease, which affected East Asia, a major Lufthansa route.

"I can say that we have emerged rather stronger and ready to face the future with more vigour via the experience gained." At the same ceremony, Mr Abdul Aziz Mangera, Managing Director of Lufthansa German Airlines said the Lufthansa was determined to brave the daunting odds in the industry to make air travel safer and more comfortable for its passengers. Mr Gerari was emphatic about a positive turn in the future and expressed the hope that the agents would continue to contribute their quota.

He described agents as vital links in the airline industry and that they would be supported in all ways to meet the demands of the job. "We appreciate your contribution as important pillars in the industry and we will continue to work together to make travelling safer and more enjoyable."

Lufthansa also flies seven times in and out of Lagos and twice to Abuja all in Nigeria in a week. Mr Gerari said the huge concentration of flights in the West African Sub-Region "reflects our confidence in West Africa as a partner in the business".

Kessben Travel and Tours Limited, a Kumasi-based company, emerged the Lufthansa Travel Agent of the Year. Nana Travels, Nita Tours, Divine Travel and Tours and Searock Travels, received other awards.