Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, on Thursday, July 24, officially launched the second edition of the Democracy Cup — a football initiative designed to promote democratic values and national unity.
The launch event, held at the D.F. Annan Auditorium in Parliament, drew high-profile attendees, including former Black Stars players, Members of Parliament, and Executive Council members of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
First introduced in 2024, the Democracy Cup is a parliamentary initiative that harnesses the unifying power of football to deepen democratic culture and foster peaceful coexistence across the country.
In his address, Speaker Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to the initiative, describing it as a “permanent fixture” in Ghana’s democratic and sporting landscape.
“I want to affirm this laudable initiative and assure you that it is here to stay. It is here to make a lasting impact on our democracy,” he said.
He added, “The launch of this second edition is a powerful testament to what we can achieve as a nation.”
A standout feature of the 2025 edition is the investment of part of the event’s proceeds into professional, FIFA-certified training for physical education teachers — a move Speaker Bagbin described as “vital to the development of sports at the grassroots level.”
The 2025 Democracy Cup will climax with a much-anticipated clash between Accra giants Hearts of Oak and city rivals Great Olympics, scheduled for August 29 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The day will begin with a curtain-raiser match between a Parliament Select XI and a team of former Black Stars players — promising a celebration of football, camaraderie, and democratic ideals.
