LOC to clamp down on pirates

Accra, March 4, GNA - The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of Ghana 2008 will soon clamp down on pirates who produce, import and sell goods branded with the name, logo, mascot and replica of the tournament trophy in anticipation of the biannual fiesta.

Their plan will entail the massive involvement of the police and other law enforcement agencies to hunt for illegal manufacturers and importers of items connected to the tourney.

Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of LOC said in a release that hawkers, vendors and others who trade in that direction would face prosecution at the law courts.

"This is in contravention of the marketing rights of the organizers of the tournament, both the LOC and CAF who have the right to confiscate all such items that have been branded with the name, logo, mascot 96 all registered trademarks of the organizers." Government frowns at piracy and ambush marketing, which constitute serious disincentive to local entrepreneurship.

"It is compulsory that the manufacture or production of all items, which relate to the 26 MTN Ghana 2008 tourney should be undertaken only after obtaining the requisite license through negotiations with the LOC or its recognized agents, while such goods being imported should be cleared for entry into the country only with the express authority of the LOC." 04 March 07