Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, is set to captain Parliament’s football team in a much-anticipated exhibition match against the Judiciary as part of activities leading up to the second edition of the Democracy Cup.
The symbolic clash will take place on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, serving as the official curtain-raiser to the Democracy Cup final between two of Ghana’s biggest football clubs—Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics—scheduled for later that day at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Announcing the fixture during proceedings in Parliament on Friday, August 1, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor said advanced discussions had taken place with the Judiciary to ensure a strong and symbolic display of unity and collaboration between the legislative and judicial arms of government.
“Following the 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,” Mr. Ahiafor told the House.
He noted that Parliament had already confirmed its participation and that Mahama Ayariga, a former Minister for Youth and Sports, would lead the legislative team onto the pitch. The Judiciary, he added, was yet to announce its team captain but was expected to field a competitive squad with the endorsement of the Acting Chief Justice.
According to sources within Parliament’s Sports Committee, MPs with prior football experience have already been approached for early training, and full practice sessions are expected to commence in the coming days. Ayariga, known for his sporting enthusiasm, is expected to rally a solid team from both the Majority and Minority caucuses.
This year’s friendly match is being described as more than just a contest—it is a demonstration of institutional cooperation, national unity, and democratic celebration, aligning with the broader theme of the Democracy Cup.
The Democracy Cup was launched in 2024 by Parliament as a creative avenue to deepen democratic culture and encourage peaceful coexistence through the power of sports, particularly football. The inaugural edition saw widespread participation, enthusiastic public engagement, and impressive turnouts at matches.
The 2025 launch event held earlier this month drew prominent attendees, including former Black Stars players, Members of Parliament, and Executive Council members of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The tournament is fast gaining traction as one of Ghana’s most innovative civic and sporting initiatives.
This year’s final, featuring the historic capital city derby between Hearts of Oak and Great Olympics, is expected to draw thousands of fans and dignitaries, reinforcing the tournament’s goal of bridging civic values and sporting excellence.
Organisers say the Parliament-Judiciary fixture will serve as a metaphor for cooperation across state institutions, showing that even in competition, governance actors can model mutual respect and camaraderie.
The Democracy Cup continues to represent Parliament’s commitment to fostering youth engagement, celebrating national unity, and making democracy more relatable through football—a game that has long united Ghanaians across political, ethnic, and social divides.
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