The Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has reaffirmed the importance of the Democracy Cup, insisting the competition has become a key part of Ghana’s democratic journey and national unity efforts.
The Democracy Cup is an annual initiative by the Parliament of Ghana aimed at promoting peace, unity and democratic values through football and other sporting activities. The 2026 edition was officially launched by Speaker Alban Bagbin on March 31, 2026.
The third edition of the tournament will feature the main clash between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on August 30, 2026.
The competition has also seen major expansion this year with the introduction of additional activities and matches.
Aside from the headline fixture, organizers have introduced a U-19 youth tournament which is currently being held at the McDan Astroturf from May 12 to 15 to help promote young football talents.
The 2026 edition will also feature a match involving Parliament and the Executive arm of government, as well as an all-women’s game.
In the previous editions, Asante Kotoko defeated Hearts of Oak 2-1 to win the maiden Democracy Cup, while Hearts later edged Great Olympics 1-0 to lift the second edition in September last year.
Speaking ahead of kickoff at the Democracy Youth Cup in Labadi, Rev. Djietror emphasized that the tournament continues to serve as a platform for promoting togetherness, tolerance and civic education in Ghana.
He explained that despite political differences and opposing opinions, Ghanaians must continue to unite for the country’s progress, just as football supporters come together after matches.
The Parliament Clerk further noted that democracy should always focus on the development of people and society, adding that the beauty of democracy lies in people disagreeing while still working toward a common national goal.
“Democracy Cup has come to stay,” he declared, describing the competition as a unique initiative that successfully combines sports with democratic education.
“We have had a very vibrant democracy over the past 33 years. It is our hope, our interest and indeed our dream that this democracy will last,” he said.
“As a country, we may disagree, we may have various views and perspectives, and belong to different political parties, but there is beauty in democracy. We agree to disagree, but at the end of the day, we all forge ahead because we have a common goal,” he stressed.
“In football, we have different sides and opponents, each aiming at winning. But at the end of the day, once the game is over, there is a common winner and we all rally behind that winner.”
“Democracy is about human development. If it is not about human development, then it is about nothing,” he emphasized.
