Parliament hands 2026 Democracy Cup trophy to Ghana defence chief

Parliament has presented the 2026 Democracy Cup trophy to Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong, beginning a tour of Ghanaian state institutions before Friday’s meeting between Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak. The match is scheduled for August 28 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

A parliamentary delegation visited the Military High Command at Burma Camp on Monday, August 24. Clerk to Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror led the delegation, which also included former Black Stars captain John Mensah, now an ambassador for the competition, and football administrator Cudjoe Fianoo.

Parliament chose the Ghana Armed Forces as the first stop because of its contribution to Ghana’s development and its role as a stakeholder in the country’s democratic process. The trophy tour is intended to connect football’s principles of tolerance and discipline with efforts to strengthen democracy across the country.

Lieutenant General Agyapong thanked Parliament for involving the military and pledged the Armed Forces’ support for the fixture. He said military personnel would attend the game while continuing to uphold the Constitution, law and order, and Ghana’s territorial integrity.

The tour will move to the National Commission for Civic Education, Ghana Police Service, Judicial Service, Electoral Commission, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, and the Office of the President before Friday’s match. A Parliamentary XI versus Judiciary XI game is among the curtain-raisers planned for the event.

Asante Kotoko won the first edition of the Democracy Cup, while Hearts of Oak hold the current title after defeating Great Olympics last year. Friday’s fixture will renew the rivalry between the two clubs as the trophy tour concludes at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.