The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, together with members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports, visited English club Sunderland A.F.C. over the weekend to deepen ties and explore new opportunities under the Democracy Cup initiative.
The Democracy Cup, founded by the Speaker, was established as a platform to bridge the gap between Parliament and citizens through sport, while celebrating Ghana’s democratic journey.
The competition has since become a symbolic event that highlights the role of sport in promoting national unity and civic engagement.
Since its inception, the tournament has produced two champions, with Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko S.C. and Accra Hearts of Oak S.C. emerging as winners.
As part of efforts to expand the impact of the competition and expose players and administrators to international best practices, the Democracy Cup—organised by Primeval Media and sponsored by KGL Group—offers the winning club the opportunity to visit a partner club abroad.
Following their triumph in the maiden edition, Asante Kotoko travelled to Washington, D.C. in the United States. Under the newly established partnership with Sunderland, the 2026 winners of the Democracy Cup will have the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, last year’s winners, Accra Hearts of Oak, are expected to face a Premier Soccer League club in South Africa later this year.
The initiative provides players and club officials with the opportunity to observe first-hand how football operates within more developed systems, while also giving players a platform to showcase their talents on the international stage.
The programme is also expected to enhance Ghana’s global sporting profile.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports delegation was led by Chairman Kobena Mensah Woyome Nogbey, Ranking Member Vincent Ekow Assifuah, and committee member Lawrencia Dziwornu.
The visit marks another step in strengthening international collaboration through sport while advancing the broader objectives of the Democracy Cup initiative.