Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has thrown its support behind Ghana’s Black Queens as the national women’s football team prepares to begin its campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The bank, in a message shared on its social media platforms, said it was proudly backing the Black Queens as they prepare to represent Ghana on the continental stage.

“Tomorrow, the Black Queens begin their WAFCON journey. As they step onto the pitch, we stand proudly behind them, just as we've stood with Ghanaians through every financial milestone since 1972,” UMB said.

The bank added: “Here's to showing up with purpose and proudly backing the Black Queens.”

The Black Queens are scheduled to open their Group C campaign against Cape Verde on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 5 p.m. Ghana time.

They will subsequently face Cameroon on August 2 before concluding the group stage against Mali on August 6, 2026.

The 2026 WAFCON, hosted by Morocco, brings together 16 teams and runs from July 25 to August 16, 2026. The tournament also carries significance for teams seeking qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) is a Ghanaian indigenous full-service financial institution established on March 15, 1972. The bank was originally set up as a policy bank to provide Ghana with indigenous merchant banking capacity.

Over the years, UMB has expanded beyond its original merchant banking mandate to provide a broad range of financial services to individuals, businesses and institutions.

The bank currently operates 35 branches across Ghana, three UMB Centres for Businesses in Accra, Kumasi and Kasoa, as well as an extensive ATM network. Its services cover corporate, business, private and personal banking, alongside trade, treasury, credit and electronic banking solutions.

UMB has also positioned itself as a bank focused on supporting Ghanaian businesses and promoting innovative financial solutions. Its history includes pioneering initiatives in corporate and merchant banking, including contributions to the development of Ghana’s capital markets.

The bank’s backing of the Black Queens forms part of its broader “Proudly Backing Ghana Since 1972” identity, linking its more than five decades of operations in Ghana to its support for national initiatives and institutions.

As the Black Queens begin their WAFCON campaign, UMB is encouraging Ghanaians to rally behind the team as it seeks continental success and a strong start to its Group C campaign.



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