The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) have officially entered into a three-year partnership aimed at strengthening football development in the country, with a strong focus on Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, women’s football, domestic competitions, and grassroots development.
The agreement was formalised during a colourful signing ceremony held at the headquarters of UMB Bank on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The event brought together senior officials of the GFA, executives of UMB Bank, and key stakeholders within the football fraternity.
Speaking at the ceremony, GFA Vice-President Mark Addo described the partnership as a significant step towards the sustainable growth of football in Ghana.
According to him, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to developing the game at every level over the next three years, from May 30, 2026, to May 29, 2029.
“This partnership will play an important role in strengthening Ghana’s football ecosystem at every level,” Mr. Addo said.
He explained that UMB Bank’s support would contribute significantly to strategic areas of Ghana football, including the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, national teams, domestic league competitions, women’s football, and juvenile football development programmes.
Mr. Addo stressed that the partnership goes beyond sponsorship and brand visibility, revealing plans to implement capacity-building initiatives across the football sector.
These programmes will cover coaching, football administration, physiotherapy, media and communications, marketing, and financial literacy.
“In today’s sporting world, talent alone is not enough. Financial awareness, education, and responsible planning are increasingly important for athletes and football stakeholders,” he noted.
The GFA Vice-President further described football as a powerful tool for national unity and social transformation, adding that the association was delighted to welcome UMB as a strategic partner committed to the long-term future of Ghana football.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer of UMB Bank, Dr. Philip Oti Mensah, said the partnership reflects the bank’s 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,” he stated.
Dr. Oti Mensah emphasised that the bank’s involvement extends beyond financial sponsorship, highlighting its readiness to support football development through capacity-building programmes that will strengthen the game from the grassroots to the national level.
He noted that football possesses a unique ability to unite people, inspire ambition, and transform lives, values that align closely with UMB’s identity as a proudly Ghanaian institution.
The UMB Chief Executive expressed confidence that the partnership would create lasting value for football fans, communities, and stakeholders while contributing meaningfully to the future success of Ghana football.
