Mahama Ayariga to captain Parliament in match against Judiciary at 2025 Democracy Cup

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga is set to lead Parliament’s football team in a symbolic and eagerly awaited curtain-raiser match against the Judiciary, scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025.

The exhibition game will take place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and will serve as a prelude to the headline Democracy Cup fixture between Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics later that day at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The announcement was made during parliamentary proceedings on Friday, August 1, by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, who said arrangements with the Judiciary were nearing completion.

“Following the successful launch of the second edition of the Democracy Cup, I wish to bring to your attention that Parliament will engage the Judiciary in a friendly match on August 29.

Negotiations are far advanced, and we expect a fruitful collaboration involving the Acting Chief Justice,” Mr. Ahiafor stated.

Mahama Ayariga, an avid football enthusiast and the sitting Majority Leader, has been named captain of Parliament’s side.

The Judiciary is yet to officially announce its team captain, though expectations remain high for a spirited and collegial encounter between the two branches of government.

Preparations and training sessions for Parliament’s squad are set to begin soon as excitement builds ahead of the match.

The Democracy Cup, launched in 2024, is a parliamentary initiative designed to harness the power of football in fostering democratic awareness, civic engagement, and national unity.

The maiden edition captured national attention, and organizers are hopeful that this year’s installment will further cement the event as a meaningful and festive celebration of Ghanaian democracy.

The 2025 launch event saw participation from high-profile figures, including retired Black Stars players, Members of Parliament, and officials from the Ghana Football Association.