Next year’s Democracy Cup winners will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with an international friendly against English Premier League side Sunderland.
The announcement came during a ceremony at Parliament’s D.F. Annan Auditorium in Accra, where organisers of the 2025 edition honoured sponsors and partners.
Event moderator Henry Asante Twum revealed, with approval from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, that a new partnership between Sunderland and the tournament organisers, Primeval Media Limited, had been sealed.
“Through the efforts of the organisers, Primeval Media Limited, and the Office of the Right Honourable Speaker, we have secured a partnership with Sunderland Football Club in England. So, the winner of the next edition will travel to England,” Twum stated.
The English club, which shares a sentimental connection with Ghana thanks to former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan’s spell there, presented a framed number three jersey to Speaker Bagbin, symbolising his position in Ghana’s political hierarchy.
Introduced in 2024, the Democracy Cup aims to use football as a unifying force to promote peace and democracy across Ghana.
Hearts of Oak are the reigning champions, having defeated Great Olympics 1-0 in the 2025 final at the University of Ghana Stadium.
They reclaimed the title after losing the maiden edition to Asante Kotoko, who later faced D.C. United in Washington as part of their reward.
Hearts are also expected to play an international friendly later this year, with destinations including Germany and the United States under consideration.
