Democracy Cup has come to stay – Ghana’s Parliament affirms

The Clerk to Parliament, Rev. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, has affirmed that the Democracy Cup has become an integral part of Ghana’s democratic journey and will continue to serve as a powerful tool for promoting national unity and civic participation.

Speaking ahead of kickoff at the Democracy Youth Cup held at the McDan Astroturf in Labadi, Rev. Djietror said the initiative, introduced three years ago, was designed to deepen democratic values while encouraging active citizen engagement through football.

“Democracy Cup has come to stay,” he declared, describing the competition as a unique initiative that successfully combines sports with democratic education.

Reflecting on Ghana’s political progress under the Fourth Republic, Rev. Djietror noted that the country has enjoyed 33 years of stable constitutional rule and continues to make significant strides in democratic governance.

“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.

He emphasized that despite political differences and ideological divisions, Ghanaians remain united by a shared vision of national development and progress.

“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.

According to the Clerk of Parliament, football was intentionally selected as the medium for the initiative because of its unique ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

“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,” he explained.

Rev. Djietror further highlighted that the ultimate purpose of democracy should be to improve the lives of citizens and drive national development.

“Democracy is about human development. If it is not about human development, then it is about nothing,” he emphasized.