Parliament will support Kotoko’s trip to USA to play DC United
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced that Parliament will support Asante Kotoko’s upcoming match against DC United in the United States next month.
Accord has directed his team to explore avenues for securing funds from corporate bodies to assist the club in participating in the match.
Asante Kotoko is scheduled to play DC United on 12th October 2024 in the USA as part of their reward for winning the inaugural Democracy Cup.
Speaker Bagbin disclosed this during a review meeting with Primeval Media, the organisers of the match, last week.
He emphasised that, as initiators of the Democracy Cup, Parliament has a responsibility to ensure that Kotoko fulfils its obligation to play DC United in the USA.
The Speaker also highlighted how football has evolved into a unique and powerful tool for promoting and developing nations.
He further remarked that the match venue holds significant historical importance, which should be leveraged to benefit both countries.
Mr Samuel Opoku Nti, representing Asante Kotoko at the meeting, expressed his gratitude to the Speaker for the initiative. He noted that the match against DC United would provide the club and its players with an opportunity to showcase their talents in the USA.
“It’s an opportunity we deeply value, and we will give our best when the time comes. This will be our first time playing in the USA, and the entire team is eagerly anticipating the experience,” he added.
Mr Nti also urged the Speaker to implement measures to ensure the sustainability of the competition, which is set to become an annual event.
The first-ever Democracy Cup match, initiated by the Parliament of Ghana, saw Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko face off. Kotoko emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Hearts, lifting the inaugural trophy at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Democracy Cup match was part of the activities commemorating 30 years of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy. The maiden edition took place on 17th July at the Accra Sports Stadium between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.