Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, has pledged her support for the maiden edition of the Democracy Cup Match organized by Parliament to promote peace ahead of the 2024 General Elections.
The match, set to take place on Wednesday, July 17, between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium, will be an annual fixture.
Justice Torkonoo made this known when a delegation from the Speaker of Parliament, led by Mr. Cletus Avoka, Member of Parliament for Zebilla East Constituency, presented the coveted trophy to her and the judiciary.
“I am delighted to receive the trophy, which symbolizes Ghana’s democracy,” said Chief Justice Torkonoo.
“Democracy has been the backbone of Ghana’s peace and development, and the decision to use football, a passion of the nation, to promote democracy in Ghana is a step in the right direction. I commend Parliament for this noble initiative that seeks to further enhance Ghana’s democracy.”
Mr. Cletus Avoka, said to be one of the longest-serving MPs, presented the trophy to the Chief Justice and her entourage. He mentioned that the match aims to promote free, fair, and transparent elections.
He said the Judiciary, as an arbiter of justice, is a key stakeholder in the democratic dispensation of Ghana.
“As we are in an election year, this special initiative will serve as a platform to promote peace and unity in the country. We want to ensure that, after the elections, no party will need to seek redress from the Chief Justice,” he said.
While appealing to the Electoral Commission to ensure impartial officiating and peaceful elections, he underscored the significant role the judiciary plays in ensuring peace and order.
Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, the two biggest clubs in the country, will face each other at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, July 17.
The Democracy Cup is an initiative by the Parliament of Ghana to celebrate 30 years of parliamentary democracy.
Members of Parliament are expected to play in the curtain-raiser with former Black Stars players.
Present at the event were Judicial Secretary Justice Cynthia Pamela C.A. Koranteng, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Aboagye Tandoh, Justice Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku, Justice Marie-Louise Simmons, Justice Lordina Ellen Serwah Mireku (all being justices of the High Court), and other justices of the superior Courts, directors of the services, among others.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Murtala Inusah
