President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the need for Ghanaian leaders to remain committed to the principles of democracy, cautioning against the dangers of partisanship, authoritarianism, and impunity.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, September 2, when the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, led a delegation to announce the commencement of the 2025 edition of the Democracy Cup, President Mahama highlighted the enduring value of constitutional rule to Ghana’s peace and stability.
He stressed that Ghana’s democratic journey since 1992 has brought both challenges and remarkable progress, serving as a framework for peaceful governance, accountability, and civic participation.
The President reminded leaders of their responsibility to strengthen democratic institutions and resist conduct that undermines public trust.
“Along this journey, we have encountered challenges, but we’ve also made remarkable progress. Our democracy has provided a framework for peaceful transitions of power, the protection of human rights and the expansion of our civic freedoms, and the participation of our citizens in shaping their own future and destinies.”
President John Dramani Mahama
For him, democracy should not be reduced to the act of holding elections but must reflect broader values of inclusion, justice, and fairness.
“Democracy is not merely about elections; it is about accountability, it is about inclusion, it is about fairness and justice, and it is about creating a society where every Ghanaian can aspire and achieve regardless of their background”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Independent and Credible Institutions
President Mahama insisted that the strength of a democracy lies in the credibility of its institutions. He therefore called for continuous investment in transparency, independence, and accountability across all state organs.
“As leaders, we must be reminded that democracy thrives only when institutions are strong, transparent, and independent. We must resist the temptation of partisanship, authoritarianism, and impunity. Our duty is to govern with humility and place the interests of the people above all else.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Civic Responsibilities
Beyond the role of political leaders, the President placed equal responsibility on citizens, urging them to take ownership of Ghana’s democratic space.
He emphasized that democracy is sustained by civic vigilance and active participation. “As citizens, democracy requires our vigilance and our participation. It calls on us to hold leaders accountable, to reject violence, to value diversity, and defend the freedoms that others before us struggled to defend,” he stressed.
His remarks came less than 24 hours after he removed Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office as Chief Justice on grounds of stated misbehaviour, following the recommendations of a committee that probed a petition for her removal.
President Mahama’s comments resonated strongly in a political climate still absorbing the implications of the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
While some have raised questions about the timing and effect of the decision on the judiciary, the President maintained that adherence to constitutional provisions remains the bedrock of Ghana’s democratic practice.
By linking his call for integrity in leadership to the broader symbolism of the Democracy Cup, he sought to reinforce the message that the country’s democratic journey requires collective vigilance and responsibility.
Speaker’s Praise
President Mahama also praised the Speaker of Parliament’s initiative in using sports as a tool to promote and deepen democratic values.
He described the Democracy Cup, which links football with civic awareness, as a creative platform that speaks directly to the energies of the youth and reinforces the significance of democracy in national development.
“The speaker’s initiative in instituting this cup is very commendable. By linking democracy with sports, he has created an innovative platform that engages the energies of our youth, inspires our citizens, and raises awareness about the centrality of democratic governance to Ghana’s peace, stability, and progress.
“It’s an enduring reminder of democracy’s value and our collective responsibility to safeguard it.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The Democracy Cup, first introduced in 2024 under the auspices of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Alban Bagbin, has been embraced as an annual tournament aimed at merging sports and civic education.
The competition is designed not only to showcase footballing talent but also to foster unity, tolerance, and respect for democratic principles. The 2025 edition promises to build on that legacy by further engaging young people and communities across the country.
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