The annual Gbese Mantse Peace Cup has officially been launched and is scheduled for Sunday, August 17, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The ceremonial football match, which forms part of the Homowo Festival, aims to promote unity, peace, and cultural celebration among the Ga State and across Ghana.
This year’s edition will feature a showdown between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kpando Hearts of Lions, two sides rich in tradition and competitive spirit.
Samuel Anim Addo, former Executive Committee member of the Ghana Football Association and organiser of the competition, said the event is being held under the auspices of Nii Ayi-Bonte II, the current Gbese Mantse.
He emphasised the football tradition of the chief and the significance of the cup.
Every year, Homowo doesn’t come without football because the Gbese Mantse himself came from football before becoming king. That’s why he insists on the Homowo Cup.
“This year, we are going to have a great competition, with the giant trophy on display & touring every corner of the country before Sunday, August 17” – Sam Anim Addo
It’s the Homowo Charity Cup scheduled for August 17 at Accra Sports Stadium.#CitiSports #HomowoPeaceCup2025 pic.twitter.com/G77g7VIBpc
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) July 10, 2025
He adds that this year will be the best tournament yet
I want you to know that this year, we’re going to have a great Homowo Cup. Come Sunday, August 17, there will be the match, and lots of activities will precede it ; which we’ll talk about in the days to come.
Defending champions Accra Hearts of Oak say they are prepared to retain the trophy.
The club’s Communications Director, Kwame Opare Addo, said their involvement reflects the club’s values and commitment to peace and cultural preservation.
I believe that when we associate with responsibilities like this, we help to educate ourselves and ensure our culture reaches the younger generation. Accra Hearts of Oak is proud to support that
“We will go out there on the 17th of August and do our best by making sure that at the end of the day, we go home with the trophy” – Kwame Opare Addo
Communications Director for Hearts, confident his side will win the trophy on August 17.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/D5MtaLXcHB
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) July 11, 2025
He adds that the team is ever ready to show who is the boss
Our technical team understands what’s at stake. The players understand it. And we will not disappoint our former board chairman, now Gbese Mantse. We’ll do our best and bring the trophy back.
Kpando Hearts of Lions, meanwhile, are keen to turn things around after falling short in the previous edition. Their administrator, Stephen Botchwey, says the match is a golden opportunity.
We see it as a great chance ; first, to compete with our big brothers and second, to promote peace across the country.
He concludes that, having set the tone for last season where they finished second, this year’s competition could lay the foundation for even greater achievements.
This competition played a big role in our preseason preparations last year, and we’re ready to use it again to set the tone for the coming season.
Tickets for the popular stand will go for just GH₵5. Fans can also expect a curtain-raiser colt match, followed by musical performances from top Ghanaian artists, with details to be announced soon.
