Accra, April 20, GNA - Prince Ernest Oduro- Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sports Council (NSC) has advised Ghanaians to respect the property rights of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). He also urged deceits to desist from pirating the logo of the Association for their personal gains.

Prince Oduro-Mensah was speaking at the launch of the replica jerseys of the Black Stars by Sportnet Ghana Limited, the accredited agents to market the replica jerseys designed by Puma, the Kit Sponsors of the Black Stars.

He said "Piracy is still a crime and any one caught in the act will be dealt with according to the law. There is therefore the need for all to respect the property rights of the GFA and Puma." Prince Oduro-Mensah said the project is to demonstrate the love for the country, hence the need for all Ghanaians to participate and contribute towards such a national agenda.

The GFA is in the process of registering its logo with the Registrar General's Department so as to grant them the right to prosecute any one caught in the illegal sale of various paraphernalia with the logos embossed on them.

Prince Oduro-Mensah said "we would like people to identify themselves with our national stars by purchasing the replica jerseys and publicly demonstrating their love for the motherland". Mr Dan Asiedu Asare, Chief Executive of Sportnet, dealers in other sports wares, said the decision of his outfit to secure the agency rights from Puma to market their products in Ghana is part of their contribution to the national cause.

He said that the replica jerseys are distinct from the fake ones on sale at the moment and called on soccer fans to look out for the distinctive features before purchasing any.

The CEO said the jerseys have the logos of the GFA embroided on it with that of Puma at both the front and back which makes it distinct from the ones on sale at the markets.

Mr Asare said the arrival of the jerseys is a great relief for the soccer loving fans and expressed the hope that it will whip morale among soccer fans.