CABINDA, Angola (Reuters) - Bad weather in Britain delayed Michael Essien's departure for Angola and he will join his Ghana team there for the African Nations Cup on Wednesday, a team spokesman said on Tuesday.

"Essien was unable to make it out of London on Sunday. The bad weather prevented him from doing so as some flights were cancelled," the spokesman said, referring to the freezing conditions that have hit much of Britain.

"We are still in touch and he is now booked to arrive on Wednesday and in time for our opening group game on Friday against Ivory Coast."

Ghana did not play Monday's Group B opener against Togo after the West African team left Cabinda in the wake of Friday's deadly attack on their bus.

Chelsea midfielder Essien has returned to fitness after suffering a hamstring injury that would have kept him out of that game.