The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has applauded the Parliament of Ghana for initiating the "Democracy Cup" competition as part of the activities marking 30 years of Parliamentary Democracy in Ghana.

"I am excited about this special and excellent initiative because it will deepen and entrench the culture of democracy in the country," the President said on Thursday, July 4, when the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban S.K. Bagbin, presented the special trophy to him at the Jubilee House.
"I am in support of this initiative, and I declare my total support for it. I hope it will remain on schedule for years to come.

"A football match to celebrate 30 years of parliamentary democracy would be an opportunity to bring the youth closer to the works of parliament and also imbibe in them the tenets of democracy," he added.

The President noted that the fourth republic had proven to be the most enduring and successful; hence the need to celebrate the achievements under it.

On his part, Mr. Bagbin said the purpose of the Democracy Cup match was to use football to engage the youth in the celebration.

He added that it was a platform to preach peace and unity ahead of the 2024 elections and also to promote democratic culture in Ghana.

Mr. Bagbin called on the President to lead the campaign to make democracy relevant to the citizens and took the opportunity to invite him to the match.

Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko will battle each other in the maiden edition of the Democracy Cup match at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, July 17.

There will also be a special curtain-raiser between ex Black Stars players and Members of Parliament.