Accra, Jan 15 (IANS): Sportswear giant Puma has extended its partnership with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) with immediate effect.

The new contract signed Wednesday, will see Puma continue as the technical supplier and official partner to the GFA - supplying playing kits, training apparel and equipment to all associated Ghana national football teams, reports Xinhua.

"Puma's production and distribution of official replica kits and fan merchandise for the GFA on a global level will also be ongoing," the GFA said.

Puma has enjoyed a long relationship with the African country, partnering with the GFA since 2005.

"African football is important to Puma, and the 10 years of partnership we have enjoyed with the GFA have seen some great moments -- none more so than the Black Stars being a kick away from becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal four years ago," Christian Voigt, Puma's head of sports marketing, said.

"The appetite and passion for football in Ghana is infectious, and this wonderful spirit has endeared the national team to the world. We are proud to be associated with them and to continue this relationship."