Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, founder of the Democracy Cup, has led a delegation to English side Sunderland A.F.C. as part of efforts to strengthen international partnerships and expand the reach of the football initiative.
Bagbin, accompanied by members of Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports, visited the club over the weekend to explore collaboration opportunities that will further enhance the Democracy Cup project.
The Democracy Cup was established by the Speaker to bridge the gap between Parliament and citizens through sport while celebrating Ghana’s democratic journey. Since its inception, the competition has grown into a symbolic event that highlights the power of football in promoting national unity and civic engagement.
Two clubs have lifted the trophy so far, with Asante Kotoko S.C. winning the maiden edition before Accra Hearts of Oak S.C. followed as champions.
As part of the initiative, winners are given the opportunity to visit partner clubs abroad to learn from international football structures. Kotoko travelled to Washington in the United States after their triumph, while future champions will now visit the United Kingdom through the Sunderland partnership.
Last year’s winners, Hearts of Oak, are also expected to play a top-flight club in South Africa later this year.
The parliamentary delegation included committee chairman Ernest Norgbey, ranking member Vincent Ekow Assifuah, and member Lawrencia Dziwornu, marking another step in strengthening international cooperation through sport.
