By: Kwame Bediako
Parliament has officially presented the Democracy Cup trophy to President John Dramani Mahama in a ceremony that marked the lead-up to this year’s highly anticipated Democracy Cup football game.
This year’s edition is scheduled for Friday, September 5, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. The two headline teams, Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics, will compete for the coveted trophy, while a curtain-raiser match between the Legislature and the Judiciary will set the stage for the main event.
During the presentation on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, President Mahama expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, commending Parliament, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for organizing the Democracy Cup as a way to reinforce and celebrate Ghana’s democratic values.
The President highlighted the importance of the event in promoting the principles that sustain democracy beyond just the electoral process.
In his remarks, President Mahama emphasized that democracy encompasses more than elections; it is about accountability, inclusion, fairness, and justice.
“It is about creating a society where every Ghanaian can aspire and achieve regardless of their background,” he said, reminding leaders of their responsibility to govern with transparency and humility, resisting authoritarianism and placing the people’s interests first.
Addressing citizens, particularly the youth, President Mahama underscored the critical role they play in democracy’s survival. “Democracy requires our vigilance and our participation. This Democracy Cup is mighty because it speaks directly to the youth,” he stated.
He drew parallels between democracy and football, pointing out that both require rules, fairness, discipline, and respect to foster unity and progress.
President Mahama accepted the Democracy Cup not as a personal honor but on behalf of all Ghanaians. He encouraged young people to cherish, nurture, and defend democracy with courage and conviction.
