Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga is set to lead Parliament’s football team in a much-anticipated curtain-raiser match against the Judiciary as part of the second edition of the Democracy Cup.
The exhibition game will take place on Friday, August 29, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, ahead of the main Democracy Cup clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Announcing the fixture during proceedings in Parliament on Friday, August 1, 2025, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor said discussions with the Judiciary were well advanced, and Parliament was looking forward to a healthy and symbolic contest between the two arms of government.
“Following a successful launch of the second edition of the Democracy Cup, I wish to bring to your attention that on Friday, August 29, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, we are excited to announce a curtain-raiser match between Parliament and the Judiciary,” he said.
“Negotiations for this match are far advanced, and we are hopeful of a fruitful collaboration with the judiciary, with the involvement of the Acting Chief Justice.”
Mr. Ahiafor confirmed that Parliament’s team would be captained by Mahama Ayariga, while the Judiciary was yet to name its team leader.
“Parliament’s team will be captained by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga. The judiciary is yet to provide a captain of their team, but we are confident in our abilities to compete when they bring their team,” he added.
Training for Parliament’s team is expected to commence in earnest in the coming days.
The Democracy Cup, introduced in 2024, is a parliamentary initiative that leverages the unifying power of football to promote democratic values, civic participation, and peaceful coexistence. Its inaugural edition drew widespread attention, and this year’s event is expected to build on that momentum.
The launch of the 2025 edition attracted prominent personalities, including former Black Stars players, Members of Parliament, and Executive Council members of the Ghana Football Association.