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Democracy Cup: Deputy EC boss calls for participation in curtain-raiser fixtures

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 12:00 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Ghana Football Association Urges Clubs to Join the Democracy Cup Curtain‑Raiser Fixtures

Accra, Ghana – In a spirited call to action, the Ghana Football Association’s Deputy Executive Committee (EC) boss has urged clubs from across the country to register for the newly‑launched Democracy Cup curtain‑raiser fixtures. The announcement, made on Wednesday, comes as the GFA gears up for what it hopes will be a high‑profile pre‑season tournament designed to reinforce democratic values, strengthen club structures and generate early‑season excitement for fans.

A Cup with a Purpose

The Democracy Cup, first introduced in 2023, is more than just a competitive event; it is part of the GFA’s broader “Democracy and Unity” initiative. “Football is a unifying force that can drive social change. Through the Democracy Cup we want to demonstrate how good governance, fair play and transparency can coexist with sporting excellence,” the Deputy EC boss explained. The tournament will see clubs from the Ghana Premier League, Division One and even top regional teams compete in a format that blends group stages with knockout rounds.

“We are calling on every club to use this opportunity to showcase the spirit of democracy on the pitch,” he added. “It is not only about winning trophies but also about how we conduct ourselves—respect for the opposition, adherence to the rules, and the accountability that comes from fair competition.”

Schedule and Structure

The curtain‑raiser fixtures are slated to begin on 8 March 2024, with matches spread across the country’s major stadiums. Accra’s Accra Sports Stadium will host the opening clash, while Kumasi Sports Stadium and the Tamale Stadium will see action the following days. A total of 32 clubs are expected to take part, each drawing a squad of 23 registered players. The competition will run for four weeks, concluding with a grand finale at the National Stadium in Accra on 28 March.

The tournament’s format is designed to give clubs ample match practice before the start of the regular season. “These games are a warm‑up but also a platform to try new tactics and integrate new signings,” the Deputy EC boss said. “Coaches will have the chance to assess squad depth and build momentum.”

Registration and Compliance

Clubs must register their squads by the 15th of February, according to the GFA’s official guidelines. Each team is required to submit a detailed roster, including player registrations and medical certificates, to the GFA’s Compliance Department. The deadline is strict: “Late entries will not be accepted, and clubs that miss the deadline risk being excluded from the competition,” the Deputy EC boss warned.

In addition to roster submissions, clubs must also complete a “Democracy and Governance” training module, which covers topics such as transparent decision‑making, financial accountability, and fair play principles. The GFA will hold a virtual seminar on 10 February to walk clubs through the module and answer any queries.

Sponsorship and Broadcasting

The Democracy Cup has attracted significant sponsorship, with the telecom giant Vodafone Ghana signing on as the title sponsor. The partnership promises to bring advanced broadcast capabilities to the tournament, ensuring that every match is streamed live on the GFA’s official platform as well as on Vodafone’s sports channel.

The Deputy EC boss also highlighted the role of media in promoting the tournament’s message. “We want fans to see the values we’re promoting—fairness, unity and respect—on and off the pitch,” he said. “The broadcasting partnership will ensure that the message reaches a nationwide audience.”

Clubs Responding

Several clubs have already expressed their enthusiasm for the competition. “We’re excited to be part of the Democracy Cup,” said the head coach of Accra Hearts of Oak. “It’s a chance to give our squad a competitive edge early on and also to reinforce our commitment to democratic principles within our club.”

Kumasi Asante Kotoko echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. “We’ll use the curtain‑raiser fixtures to connect with our supporters and remind them of the values that bind us together,” the club’s chairman said.

Looking Ahead

While the GFA’s Deputy EC boss acknowledged that the Democracy Cup is a new initiative, he stressed that it could set a precedent for how football is played and managed in Ghana. “If clubs embrace this tournament, we’ll see a shift toward more transparent and democratic club governance,” he asserted. “The long‑term benefits will ripple through the leagues and the national team.”

The GFA will also use the competition to test its administrative systems—ranging from ticketing to crowd management—to ensure that the structure can support a full-length national cup in the future.

For more information, clubs and fans can visit the official GFA website, where a dedicated “Democracy Cup” page provides match schedules, registration forms, and the comprehensive competition handbook.

In a world where football often mirrors the wider societal landscape, the Ghana Football Association’s Democracy Cup is a bold step toward aligning the sport with the values of fairness, transparency and community. As clubs scramble to register and prepare, the nation’s fans have a front‑row seat to a tournament that promises more than just goals—it promises a demonstration of how democracy can thrive on the beautiful game.