Vice President of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has received the Democracy Cup at the Jubilee House on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, following its presentation by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor.
The presentation marks the continuation of the third edition of the Democracy Cup, an initiative designed to promote responsible citizenship, national unity and Ghana’s democratic values.
Receiving the trophy, the Vice President said the Democracy Cup represents more than a sporting competition, describing it as a symbol of the shared responsibility of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to protect and strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang drew parallels between football and democracy, noting that both depend on participation, rules, fairness and respect for institutions.
“While we may support different sides and disagree passionately, the game is ultimately bigger than any one side.”
She said Ghana’s reputation as a country committed to constitutional governance has earned it international respect, but cautioned that the achievement should not be taken for granted.
According to the Vice President, the government remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions and creating an environment where citizens can freely participate in national affairs and debate ideas without resorting to violence.
She stressed the importance of responsible citizenship and peaceful political engagement, particularly in sustaining Ghana’s democratic gains.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang congratulated Parliament for sustaining the Democracy Cup into its third edition and commended the institutions and stakeholders whose contributions have made the initiative possible.
The Democracy Cup continues to combine Ghana’s passion for football with a broader message about democratic participation, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
The initiative also provides an opportunity to remind Ghanaians that, just as football requires players to respect the rules and officials regardless of which team they support, democracy requires citizens and political actors to respect the Constitution, institutions and democratic processes.
The message from Jubilee House is clear: Ghana’s democracy belongs to everyone, and protecting it is a shared national responsibility.
