GFA and UMB Enter Three-Year Partnership to Support Ghana Football and Black Stars World Cup Campaign

Story by Achore Richard

Financial institution Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has officially signed a landmark partnership agreement with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to become the official banking partner of the association for the next three years.

The official signing ceremony, held at the headquarters of UMB in Accra on Friday, May 29, marks a major milestone and an exciting new chapter for the UMB brand as the bank strengthens its commitment to the development of Ghana football.

The partnership is expected to play a significant role in supporting Ghana football activities, including the Black Stars’ preparations and campaign toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also contributing to the broader development of the sport across the country.

Speaking at the event, Head of Corporate Communication for UMB, Edem Knight Tay, described the agreement as a long-term partnership that goes beyond the FIFA World Cup.

“The duration for this partnership is three years, and it’s not just for the World Cup,” he said.

“It’s a partnership with the GFA, so all the activities of the GFA, UMB happens to be the official banking partner from now right through the next three years, and we are hoping that we will continue even after the third year.”

He further highlighted the similarities between football and banking, stressing that the partnership would also focus on capacity building and education within the football ecosystem.

“Football and banking have similarities. Apart from being banking partners, what is also in this partnership is that UMB is going to be assisting GFA when it comes to training footballers, coaches, referees and everything that brings football together, including wealth management,” he added.

Representing the GFA, Vice President Mark Addo praised UMB for believing in the vision of Ghana football and called on more corporate institutions to support the growth of the game.

“This partnership represents belief in the GFA, and it also represents belief in the power of football to unite our nation,” he stated.

“From the Ghana Football Association, our vision is clear: to build a football ecosystem which is competitive, inclusive, sustainable and capable of producing success both on and off the field.”

“This vision requires investment, partnership and institutions that are willing to support not just elite football but the entire football development pathway,” he added.

As part of the ceremony, the GFA presented signed Black Stars jerseys and other souvenirs to UMB officials to commemorate the partnership.

The agreement is expected to strengthen the relationship between corporate Ghana and football while helping drive development, professionalism and financial support within the country’s football structure ahead of major international competitions.

Story by Achore Richard | Source: GH Sports News