TV/Radio and individuals to be prosecuted - Danquah

Takoradi, (W/R) Sept. 1, GNA - Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the CAN 2008, said any individual, company, television, radio or broadcasting station that broadcasts the tournament without the requisite rights from the organisers would be arrested and prosecuted.

He said such acts apart from depriving the nation and sponsors of the tournament several millions of cedis would rather enrich such entities and be a disservice.

Mr Danquah gave the caution at a press briefing at Takoradi. He said the CAN 2008 was an international event and all aspects of the tournament must benefit both the sponsors and the government. "It is proper to talk to people, secure the appropriate rights and follow laid down procedures on the tournament," he stressed.

Mr Danquah explained that the television, radio, regalia and other rights is to enhance the financial status of the country and make the sponsors re-coup part of their investments in the competition. He said to enable many Ghanaians to benefit from the CAN 2008 tournament, the cost of each right and its associated requirements have been advertised and all interested persons should procure the appropriate one for their own benefit.

The Operating Officer said the main focus of the organisers was to ensure the patronage of all aspects of the tournament and it would therefore do everything possible to ensure its success.

Mr Danquah said 16 national teams are expected to participate and preparations are being made to make them feel comfortable when they arrive. 01 Sept. 07