Use positions responsibly to safeguard democracy - President advises leaders

President John Dramani Mahama has urged those in authority to rise above the pitfalls of partisanship, authoritarianism, and impunity to help protect the country's democratic principles.

He said both political and traditional leaders had a collective duty to manage their affairs in a manner that ensured continuity of the country’s revered democratic credentials.

The President gave the advice when the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, led a delegation to present him with the historic Democracy Cup at the Jubilee House in Accra.

The Democracy Cup is an initiative launched this year to use sports, particularly football, to foster democratic values and strengthen national unity.

Present were officials from Parliament and the Ghana Football Association, among others.

Safeguarding democracy

President Mahama added that the health of the nation's democracy extended beyond the periodic conduct of elections.

“So to our young people, I say democracy is your inheritance, but it’s also your responsibility.

You must cherish it, you must nurture it, and when called upon, you must defend it with courage and conviction,” he said.

The President said accountability, fairness, and justice were fundamental pillars upon which true democracy was built.

“Democracy is not merely about elections. It is also about accountability, fairness and justice.

Democracy thrives only when our institutions remain strong and independent,” he said.

The President's comments come at a time when the country is engaged in political discourse on the need for robust and impartial state institutions to ensure good governance.

Significance

The Speaker outlined the tangible benefits of the tournament and said that a portion of the proceeds would be dedicated to a national development course.

He said the funds would be invested in sports development by building the capacity of physical education teachers in senior high schools across all 275 constituencies in the country.

Mr Bagbin also said that the money would be used to enhance sports education and nurture talent at the grassroots level.