LOC bans use of mobile phones at Global Launch

Accra, Sept 5, GNA -- The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2008 African Cup of Nations has advised accredited journalists who will patronize the Global Launch against carrying mobile phones to the premises of the function.

Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the LOC said the move is to safeguard the broadcast rights of the event billed for the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday, September 8. He said a special desk will be set up for accredited media personnel to deposit their cellular phones before entering the premises for the programme, which is expected to be patronized by Alhaji Issa Hayatou, President of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) and some soccer legends across the world.

The Operating Officr said in order to prevent unauthorized recording and transmission of the event, a special high tech equipment will be used to detect the usage of any such devices.

Persons caught contravening the directives will be politely escorted out of the hall and will further be blacklisted for future CAF and LOC-organized functions.

Mr Danquah said that 'A whole lot of resources have been committed to the event to make it one of a kind with Ghana Television and Metro TV telecasting it live at great cost.

'It is therefore highly unacceptable to have others take undue advantage of the circumstances'.

He advised those interested in the rights to negotiate with the LOC before the event.