The Democracy Cup has been described as more prestigious and competitive than the FIFA World Cup by Kathleen Addy, chairperson of Ghana’s National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
Addy made the claim in a light-hearted address during the Democracy Cup trophy tour at the NCCE headquarters in Accra on 25 August 2026.
The competition, spearheaded by the Parliament of Ghana, is intended to promote public engagement with democratic values. Addy urged Ghanaians to support the event while stressing that its importance extended beyond the football itself.
“The Democracy Cup, which the Speaker is organising, is very exciting because I think it features a match between the Judiciary and Parliament. It doesn’t get more exciting than that when it comes to football.
“Even the World Cup or even Haaland does not come close to that competition [Democracy Cup], but it helps to bring attention to what is important,” she said.
The trophy is being presented as part of preparations for the match in Kumasi, where Hearts of Oak will face Kotoko at the Kumasi Sports Stadium on 28 August 2026.
Addy also joked about her desire to keep the trophy after seeing it again during the tour.
“I can see the cup and we can’t wait to hoist it and pretend that it has been given to us permanently. The last time they brought it, I threatened to seize and keep it, and it’s even looking better, so that threat stands,” she remarked in an amusing manner.
She said the public should not lose sight of the reason the Democracy Cup was created, warning against treating the occasion simply as a football fixture.
“We should not forget the purpose for which the Hon. Speaker initiated this and why we should support him even more,” she said.
The event is designed to use football as a platform for discussions about democracy, national unity and civic responsibility. Addy’s comments placed particular emphasis on the role of the match in drawing attention to those wider issues.
Clerk to Parliament Ebenezer Djietror also called on Ghanaians to uphold democratic principles, saying that doing so would contribute to unity and national development.
“If we inculcate these values in us, it will help us, and we will see development and growth. Quality of wealth, opportunities and prosperity for all will be our lot as Ghanaians.
“On this note, we invite you to the Kumasi Sports Stadium on August 28, 2026, for the match between Hearts of Oak and Kotoko. All of you should come and watch. At the end of it all, we are one people with a common destiny, and democracy must be developed,” he noted.
The Democracy Cup is therefore being promoted not only as a contest between two prominent Ghanaian clubs, but also as an initiative intended to strengthen democratic participation and remind citizens of their shared national responsibilities.
