The Clerk to Parliament, Mr Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has officially presented the 2025 Democracy Cup trophy to the Ghana Armed Forces, marking the beginning of a series of ceremonial visits ahead of this year’s annual football match.
The presentation ceremony took place in Accra today, where Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing and other senior officers received the trophy on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong.
Speaking on behalf of the military, Rear Admiral Bessing welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance in fostering national cohesion.
“As neutral players in our democratic dispensation, the Armed Forces warmly welcome this agenda, which has been established by our legislative arm of government under the leadership of the Right Honourable Speaker. We assure you that on 5th September, we shall mobilise our personnel in their numbers to grace this significant occasion,” he said.
He further noted that football has historically been a powerful unifying tool, even in conflict zones. “Ghana is a football nation… the sport is sometimes employed as a means of reconciliation between feuding parties. This initiative could also help reduce ethnic tensions in certain parts of northern Ghana, including Nkwanta,” he added.
Mr Djietror explained that the Democracy Cup has now become a regular feature on the national calendar, with the endorsement of the President, the Speaker of Parliament and the Chief Justice.
“The Democracy Cup has been accepted as one of our national events. It is now an important fixture on the calendar, a reminder of the unity we must embrace as a nation every year,” he stated.
He described the competition as a symbol of national unity and development. “It embodies a concept of unity of purpose—an essential quality for building, developing, and achieving excellence as a nation,” he emphasised.
The second edition of the Democracy Cup, scheduled for 5th September at the University of Ghana Stadium, will feature a clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics. Ahead of the match, the trophy will be presented to key state institutions, including the Presidency, the Chief Justice, the Electoral Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.
This year’s visits commenced at the Ministry of Defence, following the postponement of last year’s planned presentation to the Armed Forces. “Last year, we pencilled in this visit, but unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, it did not materialise. This year, we thought it proper to begin here,” Mr Djietror explained.
First launched in 2024, the Democracy Cup forms part of a broader effort to use football as a tool to promote civic education and strengthen national unity. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, has been the driving force behind the initiative, recognising the sport’s power in deepening understanding of Ghana’s democratic system.
The match venue has been shifted from the Accra Sports Stadium to the University of Ghana Stadium to ensure optimal facilities, enhanced security, and an improved experience for spectators, players and supporters alike.
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