Asante Kotoko Clash With Hearts Of Oak In Maiden Democracy Cup Today

The nations two most decorated football clubs, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak will later today July 17, 2024 face off at the Accra Sports Stadium in the maiden edition of the democracy cup in aimed at promoting parliamentary democracy through sports.

The titanic encouter is being organised by the Parliament of Ghana as part of activities commemorating thrity years of parliamentary democracry since the inception of the 4th republican constitution (the 1992 constitution) in January 1993.

Winner of the match will travel to the United States of America (USA) to play DC United in Washinton.

Prior to the match between the two giants, Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, there will be a curtain raiser match between the Ghanaian Parliamentarians and former Black Stars players.

FIFA referee Juliet Appiah has been named as the centre refereee and will be assisted by Doris Essuman Darko (Assistant 1), Mary Tei (Assistant 2) with Joyce Obenewaa Appiah serving as Fourth Official.

Retired Referee Vivian Aggor will serve as the Match Commissioner.

In a related development, Sophia Azumah will officiate the curtain raiser match between Parliamentarians and former Black Stars players.

She will also be assisted by Angela Tsakpoe (Assistant 1), Blessing Abena Oppong (Assistant 2) with Cynthia Yaa Mensah serving as Fourth Official.

Speaking during the launch of the innaugural democracy cup in Accra last month, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, advocated the need for the Democracy Cup to become an annual event, emphasising the role of sports in strengthening Ghana’s democracy.

“This initiative is further evidence of our commitment to strengthening Ghana’s democracy,…. “We want the Democracy Cup to be a regular fixture, promoting not only democracy but also the role of sports in our national life”, Mr Bagbin intimated.

The Speaker, Members of Parliament and officials of the Parliamentary Service went of a trophy prrsentation where the presented the democracy cup throphy to president of the republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkonoo and the Inspector General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, all who peldged their support to the initiative.

The mainden democracy match which is being held on the theme: “30 years of Parliamentary Democracy under the 4th Republic: The Journey thus far”, is also to foster national unity ahead of the 2024 general election on December 7.

By: Christian Kpesese