Democracy extends far beyond the ballot box- President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama delivered a powerful message about the true essence of democratic governance during the presentation of the Democracy Cup at the Presidency on Tuesday, emphasizing that democracy extends far beyond the ballot box.

“Democracy is not merely about elections. It is about accountability. It is about inclusion. It is about fairness and justice. It is about creating a society where every Ghanaian can aspire and achieve regardless of their background,” President Mahama stated while receiving the symbolic Democracy Cup from the Speaker of Parliament.

The President stressed the critical role of strong institutions in sustaining democracy, warning against threats to democratic governance. “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,” he declared.

President Mahama emphasized the dual responsibility that democracy places on both leaders and citizens. “Our duty is to govern with humility and place the interests of the people above all else,” he said, while calling on citizens to remain vigilant. “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 secure.”

The Democracy Cup ceremony, which marks the culmination of a symbolic journey through key governance institutions, represents an innovative approach to civic education by linking democracy with Ghana’s beloved sport of football.

“Since 1992 Ghana has chosen the path of constitutional democracy. Along this journey, we have encountered challenges, but we’ve also made remarkable progress,” the President noted, highlighting Ghana’s peaceful transitions of power and expansion of civic freedoms.

Addressing the youth specifically, President Mahama said, “To our young people, I say democracy is your inheritance, but it’s also your responsibility. You must cherish it. You must nurture it, and when called upon, you must defend it with courage and conviction.”

The President concluded by accepting the Democracy Cup “not as a personal honor, but on behalf of the people of Ghana, whose resilience and faith continue to sustain our democracy.”

The ceremony underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and engaging citizens, particularly the youth, in the democratic process through innovative platforms that resonate with the broader population.

The Democracy Cup Grand Finale is scheduled for September 5, 2025, at the University of Ghana sports stadium.