Over the weekend, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, together with members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports, visited English football club Sunderland A.F.C. to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities for Ghana’s Democracy Cup initiative.
The Democracy Cup, founded by the Speaker, uses football as a platform to connect Parliament with citizens while celebrating Ghana’s democratic journey. Since its inception, the tournament has produced two champions: Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, highlighting the role of sports in fostering national unity and civic engagement.
Organised by Primeval Media and sponsored by the KGL Group, the tournament provides winning clubs with the chance to visit international partner teams to gain exposure to global best practices in football. After winning the inaugural edition, Asante Kotoko travelled to Washington, United States, while Hearts of Oak, last year’s winners, are set to play against a Premier League club in South Africa later this year.
Under the newly established partnership with Sunderland A.F.C., the 2026 Democracy Cup champions will have the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom, further expanding the tournament’s international reach.
The visit, led by Mr Ernest Nogbey (Chairman), Mr Vincent Ekow Assifuah (Ranking Member), and committee member Madam Lawrencia Djowornu, underscores Parliament’s commitment to using sports as a tool for youth development, talent exposure, and international collaboration.
Officials noted that such engagements not only provide players and club administrators with insights into football operations in advanced systems but also enhance Ghana’s profile in the global sporting arena.
