Speaker Bagbin Accepts 2025 Democracy Cup Trophy, Highlights Connection Between Football and Ghana’s Democratic Values

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has officially received the 2025 Democracy Cup trophy in a symbolic ceremony that underscored the strong relationship between sports and democratic engagement in Ghana. The event comes ahead of the much-anticipated football clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics, which has now been rescheduled for September 5, 2025. The match will take place at the University of Ghana Stadium, chosen to provide a superior experience in terms of facilities, security, and overall logistics.

During the presentation ceremony, Speaker Bagbin used the opportunity to reflect on the innovative vision behind the Democracy Cup—an initiative that seeks to use the passion and reach of football to promote democratic awareness, civic responsibility, and national unity.

“We are harnessing the power of football, a sport that unites Ghanaians from all walks of life, to inspire greater understanding and participation in our democratic process,” Bagbin said. “This initiative aims to strengthen the bridge between governance and the people through a platform that speaks to our hearts.”

He further elaborated on the unique nature of Ghana’s democratic system, pointing out that while democracies around the world share common values, Ghana’s model reflects its own distinct history and identity. “Ghana’s democracy is not a replica of that in the United Kingdom or the United States,” he explained. “In the UK, sovereignty rests with Parliament. But in Ghana, sovereignty remains with the people. Our system blends different traditions to ensure that ultimate power resides in the citizens, not just in the institutions.”

A major highlight of this year’s edition is the inclusion of a title sponsor. Bagbin proudly announced that KGL Group Limited has come on board as the headline sponsor for the Democracy Cup, not only for this year but for future editions. He applauded the company’s leadership for investing in a cause that seeks to marry civic education with national passion. “Let us all appreciate the KGL Group and its Executive Chairman for their vision and commitment to the development of both sports and democracy in Ghana,” he urged.

The Speaker also shared a personal story to emphasize football’s global power and Ghana’s strong reputation in the sport. “When I first traveled to Libya in 1983, I introduced myself as Ghanaian, and immediately, people responded with names like George Alhassan and Abedi Pele,” he recalled. “Football has long been a source of pride for Ghana and a way through which the country is recognized and respected internationally.”

Beyond the symbolic football match, Bagbin revealed long-term plans to expand the Democracy Cup’s impact at the grassroots level. He stated that Parliament, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, is working to involve Members of Parliament in spreading the initiative to their constituencies. The goal is to engage schools, particularly physical education teachers, in identifying and nurturing young football talent while integrating democratic education into youth development programs.

“This is not just a football game—it is a movement,” he stressed. “We want young people to learn early that democracy is not only about voting, but also about participation, teamwork, leadership, and national pride—all values that football teaches so well.”

In a show of unity and institutional cooperation, Speaker Bagbin announced that the Democracy Cup trophy will also be presented to other arms of government, including a formal presentation to “His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.” This gesture, he said, is aimed at reinforcing collaboration among key institutions in promoting democratic governance through shared national initiatives.

With the countdown to the September match now underway, all eyes will be on the University of Ghana Stadium as the Democracy Cup continues to blend the worlds of sports and civic engagement, inspiring a new generation of active citizens through the beautiful game.