OGR Tours Ghana Limited on Wednesday introduced a fleet of buses that will facilitate easy and luxurious movement of airline passengers destined beyond Accra.

The buses, which will carry travelers from the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to areas beyond Accra, are extensions of air tickets purchased from Europe, America or Asia.

According to Mrs Grace Botchwey, Executive Director of OGR, the idea is to create a secure and comfortable mode of transport for foreigners and Ghanaians alike who are returning from abroad and have their final destinations beyond the capital.

She said the company saw the void in transportation in this area and is committed to creating a niche for travelers from abroad. "We noticed that for several years airline passengers, Ghanaians and foreigners alike had to struggle to get to their towns in comfort.

Hence the decision to move into this area and fill that void." The company currently has three Volvo buses with a capacity for 54 passengers. The buses, each valued at 250,000 dollars, are air-conditioned and fitted with washrooms for extra comfort. It is the first in the country to operate such buses.

Launching the buses, Kwamena Bartels, Acting Minister of Tourism said they are coming at an opportune time when government was keen on raising standards in the transport industry and make it more convenient for operators and users.

He said OGR has come of age - from just selling airline tickets and arranging tour operations - and congratulated them for their foresight and resolve to bring change into the transportation industry.

He said the Ministry of Tourism was in the process of supporting tour companies to purchase luxury buses to meet the expected increase in tourists. Bartles said government welcomed such a move and would take decisive steps to ensure that it succeeded.

He deplored the state of rest stops in the country, saying, "They are not anything to write home about. Some are just disgraceful. It is in this regard that I welcome these buses that are fitted with washrooms and which will give such passengers the security and comfort they are used to."