Accra, Dec 31, GNA - The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Ghana 2008 African Cup of Nations has granted licenses to 25 companies, organisations and individuals to produce and market various merchandizing items for the January 20 - February 10, 2008 championships.

The licensees include general merchants, dealers in all kinds of garments, general suppliers, consultancies, hospitality agencies and all manner of professionals already into the production and marketing of goods and services.

Magnus Rex Danquah, Chief Operating Officer of the LOC in a statement copied to the GNA Sports said the goods and services ranges from fabrics and clothing to kitchen ware, office displays, cuisines, water and beverages.

Meanwhile the LOC will launch the official paraphernalia for the tournament on Friday, January 4, 2008 at its secretariat. The launch is to give holders of merchandize rights the platform to exhibit their products and introduce them to the public as the only official items to be traded for the tournament.

He said the launch would feature goods in all categories marketed by accredited partners of the LOC.

Mr Danquah said some of the accredited partners include Champion Trading - for shoes, Young Trading Company - for unisex belts, Ultimate Fashions Enterprise - for T-shirts, Polo Shirts and baseball caps, Pens and Plastics Company - for gas lighters and Beibei Trading Company - for athletes' trainers (shoes).

Others are T's and Things - to produce wrist bands, shopping bags and stickers, Christ- in-You Bakery - to produce branded bread, Amba Catering - for the sale of fruit juices chips, Jetoros Incorporated - for the sale of men's tank tops, Eunice Kesse Enterprise - for key rings and flags, Vertex Business Systems - for flag footballs, Africa Europe Trading - for drinking glasses, and Voltic Ghana Limited and Wyba Limited - for the sale of branded bottled water.

The rest are Erviv Enterprise - for calendar pens, Meshan Art Consult - for flag pens, Adeban Ventures - for bandanas and scarves, Yesu Orbay Fabric Company - for the sale of commemorative cloth, Budget Cash and Carry for Blue Jeans energy drink and Plethora Limited - for a number of items including hats, vests, arm bands tankard, mugs, cards, face towels, bottle openers and plastic cups.

Mr Danquah said certificates have been awarded to the licensees to ensure protection from inspections conducted by the combined task force team of the LOC, Customs Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS) and other security agencies.

He said this in line with his outfit's commitment to forge linkages for businesses to thrive alongside the tournament. Consequently the Loc, he said has put out 200 odd items for licenses to procure for production, marketing and sale from its Ringway Estate Secretariat.