The Football Association and Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) on Friday, May 29, 2026, formalised a partnership agreement aimed at supporting Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, women’s football, domestic league competitions and juvenile football development.
The colourful signing ceremony, held at the headquarters of UMB Bank, brought together officials from the Ghana Football Association, executives of the bank, and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Vice-President of the Ghana Football Association, Mark Addo, described the partnership as a shared commitment to the sustainable growth and long-term advancement of football in Ghana.
“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to the growth, sustainability, and long-term development of football in Ghana,” he stated. “Over the next three years, from 30th May 2026 to 29th May 2029, this partnership will play an important role in strengthening Ghana’s football ecosystem at every level.”
The Vice-President said the support from UMB Bank will significantly contribute to key strategic areas of Ghana football, including the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, national teams, domestic league competitions, women’s football, and grassroots juvenile football development programmes.
He emphasised that the partnership reflects a holistic and inclusive approach to football development – one that recognises the importance of investing across all levels of the game.
“At the Ghana Football Association, we strongly believe football is a powerful vehicle for national unity, opportunity, and transformation,” he noted. “Football inspires communities, creates dreams for young people, and connects millions of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.”
Beyond sponsorship and brand visibility, Mr. Addo highlighted the broader developmental ambitions of the partnership, revealing plans for impactful initiatives focused on capacity-building and financial empowerment within the football ecosystem.
He explained that programmes in coaching, football administration, physiotherapy, media and communications, marketing, and financial literacy would be introduced to equip players, coaches, administrators, and young footballers with practical tools necessary for long-term professional growth and sustainability.
“In today’s sporting world, talent alone is not enough,” he stressed. “Financial awareness, education, and responsible planning are increasingly important for athletes and football stakeholders, and we are encouraged that UMB shares this vision.”
Welcoming UMB Bank as more than just a corporate sponsor, Mr. Addo described the financial institution as a strategic partner deeply invested in the dreams, ambitions, and future of Ghana football.
“On behalf of the Ghana Football Association, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the leadership and team at UMB Bank for believing in our vision and joining us on this journey,” he said. “We are confident that together, we will create meaningful impact for football fans, communities, and the broader sporting landscape.”
On his part, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), Dr. Philip Oti Mensah, described the partnership with the Ghana Football Association as a reflection of a shared commitment to excellence, sustainable growth, and national pride.
“At UMB, we are delighted to partner with the Ghana Football Association in a relationship that reflects our shared commitment to excellence, growth, and national pride,” Dr. Oti Mensah stated. “Our desire is for this partnership to deliver value not only in the short term but also over the long term.”
He stressed that the bank’s commitment extends beyond sponsorship, emphasizing UMB’s readiness to support football development through strategic capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen the game from the grassroots to the highest level.
“Beyond sponsorship, we are committed to supporting the GFA in building capacity at all levels of Ghana football, creating opportunities that strengthen the game from grassroots football to the national teams,” he noted.
Dr. Oti Mensah further highlighted football’s unique ability to unite people, inspire ambition, and transform lives, explaining that this belief strongly aligns with UMB’s identity as a proudly Ghanaian institution.
“As a proudly Ghanaian bank, we understand the power of football to unite, inspire, and transform lives. That is why UMB stands United, Motivated and Bold behind the Black Stars and Ghana football.” he said.
Expressing optimism about the future of the partnership, the UMB Chief Executive reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to working closely with the Ghana Football Association to advance the development of football in Ghana and contribute meaningfully to the sport’s long-term success.
“We look forward to working closely with the GFA to advance the development of the sport and contribute meaningfully to its future success,” he concluded.
