Also known as: Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) PLC
Universal Merchant Bank — Ghana's first bank approved for virtual accounts; backed by leadership driving transformation agenda and corporate social initiatives.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Universal Merchant Bank
Every mention in the Ghanaian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
Joy Online
Universal Merchant Bank’s S.P.E.E.D. Stars are champions of the 2026 Bankers Football Gala, topping a field of eight banks after a campaign built on discipline, composure and a refusal to blink under pressure. …
UMB S.P.E.E.D. Stars lift Bankers Football Gala trophyJoy Online
Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) has begun rolling out selected services of the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) at its branches, in a partnership aimed at making business registration and compliance more convenient while supporting the formalisation of businesses in Ghana …
UMB, ORC partner to make business registration easier for entrepreneursThe Chronicle
… Communications Bureau Limited at Universal Merchant Bank (UMB). The appellate court also directed the Attorney-General to disclose National Security files connected to the acquisition of the alleged cyber defence system, records relating to special operations accounts, and docume …
A-G Admits Lacking Key Evidence In GH¢49.1m Adu-Boahene TrialJoy Online
… The company disclosed that Visa Accept is now available in more than 25 countries and will soon launch in Ghana through partnerships with Access Bank, OmniBSIC Bank and Universal Merchant Bank (UMB). …
Visa unveils smartphone payment solutions to help small businesses accept and send digital paymentsJoy Online
… Sponsors of the event, Universal Merchant Bank and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), were recognised for supporting initiatives aimed at advancing Ghana’s investment opportunities globally. …
Ghana is open for business like never before – 24-Hour Economy takes centre stage in CanadaBusiness & Financial Times
Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) marked this year’s Father’s Day with a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to celebrating the enduring values of fatherhood, leadership and service. …
UMB marks Father’s Day with courtesy call on MahamaJoy Online
Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) marked this year’s Father’s Day with a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. …
Father’s Day: UMB marks occasion with courtesy call on MahamaDaily Guide
… The witness told the court that EOCO investigations revealed that the Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) account of BNC Communications Bureau Limited was opened at the behest of the couple, who signed documents to that effect and attached the company’s registration document as well as …
Adu-Boahene Trial: Investigator Details How GH¢49.1m Moved To Private AccountDaily Guide
… Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), the Lead Sponsor of the event, continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving economic growth, entrepreneurship, and facilitating investments that contribute to Ghana’s long-term development and competitiveness. …
Ghana, Canada Deepen Investment TiesJoy Online
… The statement said Universal Merchant Bank, lead sponsor of the forum, was supporting efforts to promote entrepreneurship, economic growth and investment mobilisation for Ghana’s long-term development. …
Ghana-Canada investment forum to deepen economic cooperationUniversal Merchant Bank has appointed Justina Stella Laing as COO to drive its transformation agenda. Laing brings over 18 years of experience in financial services, including roles at CalBank and advisory work in energy and agribusiness.
19 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank has appointed Justina Stella Laing as COO to drive its transformation agenda. Laing brings over 18 years of experience in financial services, including roles at CalBank and advisory work in energy and agribusiness.
19 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, Managing Director of Universal Merchant Bank, has been named CEO of the Year – Banking at the 2026 Ghana Credit Excellence Awards in recognition of his leadership and contribution to Ghana's banking industry. The awards also honoured other banking executives and financial institutions for outstanding leadership and institutional performance.
13 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank has awarded a 4×4 pick-up to Hammond Agyen of Manhean Anglican 'D' Primary School in Tema, the first runner-up in the Teacher category of the 2026 Ghana Teacher Prize. The presentation was made at a ceremony held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, attended by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to mark World Teachers' Day.
8 October 2026 · Joy Online →
The University of Professional Studies, Accra held the first session of its 18th Congregation, conferring degrees on 1,275 graduates comprising 1,086 postgraduate and 189 law graduates. Four master's graduates achieved a perfect 4.0 CGPA, a first in the university's history, and the ceremony marked the graduation of inaugural cohorts in five new postgraduate programmes.
28 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Chipper Cash, an African fintech company, has integrated with Universal Merchant Bank's virtual accounts platform and begun opening virtual accounts for customers in Ghana, following UMB's regulatory approval from the Bank of Ghana and Securities and Exchange Commission.
22 September 2026 · Joy Online →
UMB Speed Stars defeated the Black Stars Legends 6-2 in a friendly match at Adjiringano Astro Turf, organised by Universal Merchant Bank in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association and Professional Footballers Association of Ghana, featuring former Ghana internationals.
19 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank and 3TREES Ghana have signed an MoU to establish paint sales outlets in every constituency ahead of Ghana's 70th independence anniversary, offering discounts of 35–55 per cent on exterior paints from October 2026 to March 2027. Members of Parliament are expected to support local mobilisation and outlet establishment as part of the Brighten Ghana Initiative.
9 September 2026 · Joy Online →
The Accra High Court has directed the defence team for former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene to file a submission of no case to answer by September 25, 2026, after the prosecution closed its case. Lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea argues that the 14-day period is too short to properly review the prosecution's evidence and prepare a credible submission in the trial involving the alleged unlawful diversion of GH¢49.1 million in state funds.
8 September 2026 · Joy Online →
The Accra High Court has given the defence until September 25 to file a submission of no case to answer in the trial of former NSB Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and others, who face charges over the alleged diversion of GH¢49.1 million earmarked for a cybersecurity system. Defence counsel Samuel Atta Akyea has argued that the 14-day period is insufficient to prepare a credible submission.
8 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank has become the first bank in Ghana to receive approval from both the Bank of Ghana and the Securities and Exchange Commission to offer virtual accounts to eligible businesses in the virtual asset ecosystem.
1 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank's S.P.E.E.D. Stars won the 2026 Bankers Football Gala, defeating a field of eight banks on August 29, 2026. The victory highlighted the team's discipline and composure, traits UMB links to its workplace values.
1 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank has begun rolling out Office of the Registrar of Companies services at selected branches, allowing entrepreneurs to access business registration and compliance services without visiting an ORC office directly. The partnership, following a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to support business formalisation and convenience for customers.
17 August 2026 · Joy Online →
The Attorney-General's Office has admitted to the High Court that it does not possess key documents relating to the disputed GH¢49.1 million transaction at the centre of the prosecution's case against former NSB Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and two others. The disclosure followed a Court of Appeal order directing the prosecution to produce missing bank statements, records relating to the source and purpose of the funds, and other documents essential to the defence.
20 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Visa has introduced new capabilities across its Visa Accept and Visa Direct platforms to enable small businesses in emerging markets to accept and send digital payments using only a smartphone, without requiring additional payment hardware. The solution is designed to help street vendors, micro-sellers and online merchants manage transactions more efficiently and expand access to digital financial services.
10 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana's 24-Hour Economy agenda was the focus of a Ghana-Canada Investment Forum in Toronto on June 15, 2026, which brought together about 135 participants to explore trade, investment and collaboration between the two countries. Officials presented Ghana as a gateway to the African market and encouraged Canadian investment in the country.
8 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank marked Father's Day with a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama, during which Managing Director Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah presented the President with commemorative artwork symbolizing fatherhood, leadership, responsibility and service. President Mahama congratulated the bank on its progress and commended management and staff for strengthening the institution and enhancing its contribution to Ghana's financial services sector.
29 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →
Universal Merchant Bank visited President John Dramani Mahama on Father's Day and presented him with commemorative artwork symbolizing fatherhood, leadership, responsibility and service. President Mahama commended the bank on its progress and efforts in strengthening Ghana's financial services sector.
26 June 2026 · Joy Online →
An EOCO investigator told a court that former National Signals Bureau director Kwabena Adu-Boahene transferred GH¢49.1 million from the state institution's account into a private company he and his wife owned, in three cheques signed in 2020 allegedly under the pretext of purchasing a cyber defence system.
23 June 2026 · Daily Guide →
Ghana and Canada gathered in Toronto for the 2026 Ghana-Canada Investment Forum to deepen economic cooperation and explore strategic investment opportunities. The event highlighted Ghana's 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, examining how Canadian businesses and investors can partner with Ghanaian enterprises to support the country's economic transformation.
17 June 2026 · Daily Guide →
Ghana and Canada will host an investment forum in Toronto on June 15, 2026, to explore strategic opportunities, forge partnerships, and advance Ghana's economic transformation agenda, with a focus on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
12 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Mildred Donkor, a prosecution witness in the trial of former NSB Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng, testified that her provision of cash withdrawal and deposit assistance to Adu-Boahene while at Universal Merchant Bank was not irregular or illegal, describing it as normal banking service. Adu-Boahene and his wife face 11 counts including conspiracy to commit crime, stealing, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state over alleged theft of GH$49.1 million.
11 June 2026 · Daily Guide →
Ghana and Canada will host an investment forum on June 15, 2026, in Toronto to explore strategic investment opportunities, foster partnerships, and advance Ghana's economic transformation agenda, including its 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
9 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →
Ghana and Canada will host an investment forum in Toronto on June 15, 2026, to showcase investment opportunities and promote partnerships supporting Ghana's economic transformation, with a focus on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme aimed at driving industrialisation, expanding exports, and creating jobs.
8 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank has appointed Victoria Esinam Attipoe, a banking executive with over 20 years of experience in retail banking and operations, as Branch Network Head for its Greater Accra Division to strengthen retail banking operations and customer experience.
8 June 2026 · Daily Guide →
Universal Merchant Bank has appointed Victoria Esinam Attipoe as Branch Network Head for its Greater Accra Division to lead strategic transformation of the bank's branch network, enhance customer experience, and drive commercial growth in retail banking.
4 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →
Universal Merchant Bank has appointed Victoria Esinam Attipoe as Branch Network Head for its Greater Accra Division. The bank describes the move as part of its focus on retail banking excellence, operational transformation, and customer-centric growth.
4 June 2026 · Joy Online →
Universal Merchant Bank reported a profit of GHS 267.2 million in 2025 and restored shareholders' equity to GHS 551.3 million, reversing a loss of GHS 253.8 million and negative equity of GHS 12.3 million in 2024. The turnaround is attributed to leadership changes rather than changes in financial metrics alone, according to an analysis by Dr Kofi Anokye Owusu-Darko.
3 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →
Betting company betPawa, Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), and TECNO Ghana have signed partnerships with the Ghana Football Association to support the Black Stars, Black Queens, and domestic football development ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and WAFCON. betPawa committed GH₵3.5 million in support, UMB became the official banking partner for three years, and TECNO Ghana also signed on to contribute to the development of Ghana football.
1 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Universal Merchant Bank has become the official banking partner of the Ghana Football Association under a three-year agreement, with the bank aiming to promote Ghana football and support the Black Stars' 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. The partnership covers all GFA activities and includes UMB assistance with training footballers, coaches, referees, and wealth management.
29 May 2026 · Joy Online →
A former Director of Advantage Solutions Limited testified in the High Court on how she managed bank accounts and executed financial transactions for accused Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng. She explained that funds from BNC Communications Bureau Limited were transferred to other company accounts when cheques were unavailable, and that payments were made to suppliers and third parties.
5 May 2026 · Joy Online →