The Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Democracy Cup, a one-off football match to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the country's Fourth Republic.

The event, scheduled for July 5, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium, will feature a headline match between Premier League giants Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko dubbed “Democracy Cup”.

The winner of the match would be offered the chance to play against American club DC United in Washington later this year.

At the launch ceremony in Accra, Mr. Bagbin called for the Democracy Cup to become an annual event, highlighting the importance of sports in Ghana.

"This initiative is further evidence of our commitment to strengthening Ghana's democracy," he said. "We want the Democracy Cup to be a regular fixture, promoting not only democracy but also the role of sport in our national life."

Mr. Bagbin, expressed his gratitude to both clubs while acknowledging their rich histories. 

He assured that future editions of the Democracy Cup would involve other Ghanaian teams.

Accra Hearts of Oak's Managing Director, Delali Anku-Adiamah, echoed the Speaker's call for the event to become a permanent fixture, emphasizing its role in reminding Ghanaians of the value of their democracy.

A representative for Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Abraham Antwi, pledged the club's support for the Democracy Cup, playfully predicting a third victory over their rivals Hearts of Oak this season, having already secured home and away wins in the Premier League.

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah