The Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Hon. Kobena Mensah Woyome has hailed the recent launch of the Democracy Cup as prompt and worth celebrating, describing it as a very useful platform to emancipate the country’s democratic principles whilst also bringing government and the governed closer.
Set to feature local giants, Kumasi Asante Kotoko against Accra Hearts of Oak in a one-off football match with a giant trophy at stake at the Accra Sports Stadium on July 5, the Democracy Cup was launched last Thursday by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin to herald the 30th anniversary celebrations of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Delivering a speech at the launch inside the D.F. Annan Auditorium within the corridors of Ghana’s legislative house, Hon. Woyome who is also Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee of Youth, Sports and Culture, emphasised that the Democracy Cup is an initiative that embodies an unwavering commitment to nurture Ghana’s democracy.
“Thirty years ago, Ghana embarked on a transformative journey, choosing the path of democracy and embracing the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice for all. Our Parliamentary democracy has become the cornerstone of our national identity, fostering an environment where every voice matters in our national development,” Hon. Woyome noted.
“The celebration of our 30th anniversary, alongside the launch of the Democracy Cup, is a testament to the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of our democratic principles since the beginning of the First Parliament in this Fourth Republic,” the South Tongu MP added.
In attendance at the short ceremony included Majority and Minority Chief Whips, MPs, Ghana Football Association (GFA) officials led by President Kurt Okraku as well as former national team stars, Stephen Appiah, Tony Baffoe, Sam ‘Foyoo’ Johnson, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, John Paintsil among others.
It was also revealed at last Thursday’s event that there will be a special curtain raiser to the Hearts-Kotoko game between former national team players and the MPs who are expected to have the Speaker, Mr. Bagbin as coach, a development which Hon. Woyome believes can only entrench the country’s representative government.
“I am pleased to state that under the leadership of our Rt. Hon. Speaker, the tenets of democracy are further cemented through this initiative. The Democracy Cup is designed to engage the youth, foster civic participation, and deepen the understanding of democratic processes through sports,” the lawmaker explained.
Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Alban Bagbin in a tete-a-tete with former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah
“I believe this will inspire young minds to appreciate the intricacies of governance and the importance of active citizenship participation in our democracy. Launching the Democracy Cup to emphasise the need for democratic participation is both timely and commendable,” Hon. Kobena Woyome opined.
“Let us celebrate this milestone with pride and let the Democracy Cup be a beacon of hope, a symbol of our unwavering commitment to democracy, and a celebration of the vibrant, dynamic society we have built together. Long live our democracy Long live Ghana,” he affirmed.
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