KGL Group Democracy Cup 2025 launched with calls for unity and national pride

The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, officially launched the second edition of the KGL Group Democracy Cup on Thursday evening, heralding a celebration of democracy, unity, and football.

The event, set for Friday, August 29, will feature a thrilling clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics, with a curtain-raiser pitting Members of Parliament against the Judiciary.

The launch, held at Parliament House, brought together parliamentarians, football legends, corporate leaders, and stakeholders, all united in their commitment to using football as a tool to deepen Ghana’s democratic culture. The Democracy Cup, an initiative championed by Speaker Bagbin, seeks to harness the unifying power of sports to foster peace, unity, and civic engagement.

In his address, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the role of football in promoting peace and happiness, stating, “You cannot get peace without competition. You cannot get happiness without competition. You cannot get peace without unity, you cannot get happiness without unity.” Reflecting on the success of the inaugural event, he expressed confidence in the initiative’s lasting impact, declaring, “Democracy Cup is here to make a lasting impact on our democracy. The launch of this second edition is a powerful testament to what we can achieve as a nation when we commit to a shared vision and work together with purpose.” He also commended the private sector’s support, particularly KGL Group, noting, “We can’t do anything without the private sector, and I’ve never seen any economy that has developed sustainably without the private sector.”

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, highlighted the transformative power of football, drawing from his experience as a former Minister of Youth and Sports. “I always tell people that there’s no asset, according to the Black Stars, that Ghana has,” he said, recalling the passion and dedication of the national team during the African Cup of Nations. He praised the private sector’s role, stating, “I am a believer that sport should not be funded by the state. The example that you have set is such a great example, and I believe that many other people in the private sector should take up this as a philanthropic activity.”

Representing the Minority Leader, Sammi Awuku described the Democracy Cup as a celebration of “democracy, unity, and national spirit all rolled into 90 minutes on the pitch.” He underscored its role in uniting Ghanaians across diverse backgrounds, saying, “Democracy and sports share a powerful foundation, the remarkable ability to unite people across backgrounds, beliefs, political persuasions, and boundaries.” He urged the media to entrench the tournament as a symbol of national pride, adding, “May the best team win.”

The Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, reaffirmed his company’s commitment to the initiative, emphasizing the importance of corporate social responsibility. “The KGL Group of Companies remains deeply committed to working alongside national institutions in building a future that is just, united, and full of possibilities for every Ghanaian,” he said. He added, “I am a firm believer that entrepreneurship without philanthropy doesn’t mean anything.”

GFA President Kurt Okraku praised the Democracy Cup as a platform that reflects the essence of football in uniting diverse communities. “Football brings us together. Football preaches unity. Football houses people from diverse backgrounds,” he said. Acknowledging the Speaker’s investment in football, he noted, “The Honorable Speaker of Parliament is a big financier of women’s football.” Okraku also expressed optimism about the upcoming matches, stating, “The two teams are battle-ready. May they give us good football. May they show unity.”

Representing the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, Director General of the National Sports Authority, assured fans of a well-prepared venue, saying, “The stadium will be perfect for playing so that our stars and our parliamentarians will exhibit great football.” He emphasized the broader significance of the event, stating, “We all believe in democracy, and that is why we’re all here, the unity that it represents, the respect that it brings, the fair play and the love.”

The Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer A. Djietror, described the Democracy Cup as “more than a football match,” calling it a “legacy project designed to deepen democratic engagement, foster national unity, and promote collaboration between parliament and critical national stakeholders.” He commended Speaker Bagbin’s vision, noting, “It is exemplary leadership in advancing this course and has caused the vital role of Parliament in leveraging its representational mandate to unite the citizenry.”

The main match will see Accra Hearts of Oak face off against Accra Great Olympics, while the curtain-raiser will feature a parliamentary team, captained by former Black Stars midfielder Agyemang Badu, against a Judiciary team led by John Mensah. Both teams will include five former national stars. Fans can also look forward to giveaways from MaxBuy, awards for the Man of the Match, and a raffle for supporters.

The 2025 Democracy Cup promises to be a vibrant celebration of Ghana’s democratic resilience and footballing passion, with stakeholders united in their commitment to making it a lasting tradition.