The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has formally presented the 2025 Democracy Cup trophy to President John Dramani Mahama, in anticipation of the highly awaited football match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics, set for September 5.
Launched in 2024 by Speaker Bagbin, the Democracy Cup uses football to encourage democratic values, unity, peace, and civic involvement across the country.
The competition brings rival football clubs together to support harmony and growth in Ghanaian football.
Speaker Bagbin was joined by various dignitaries, including the Minister for Sports, Kofi Adams, and the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, among others.
Also in attendance were former Black Stars players, such as former captain John Mensah and former defender Amankwah Mireku.
Before the main event, Members of Parliament, led by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, will play a match against members of the Judiciary at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. The goal is to help rebuild public trust in Parliament and strengthen ties between citizens and state institutions.
In remarks to the media during the event, Speaker Bagbin warmly invited President Mahama to attend the match and perform the ceremonial kick-off.
He also announced that money raised from the match will fund FIFA-certified training for Physical Education teachers in senior high schools across the country. The goal is to help develop sports talent among young people everywhere.
President John Dramani Mahama praised the Democracy Cup Initiative, calling it a significant platform for advancing democratic values in the nation.
He highlighted that the core of democracy is well represented in the game of football, a sport that encourages unity, adherence to rules, fairness, and discipline.
