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Flashback: Woes of a Jabulani Ball

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asamoah gyan

I am Ghana

I never let Africa down

Never have

Never will

Ask Mandela

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Forget the scores. Fry FIFA. Freeze history. All because it is the first Friday in July 2010. The lesson of the day? History has two versions- the one which happened and the one which should have. And on the night Ghana lost to Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup, Africa at the threshold of the semi-finals is the living history.

 

The Jabulani flew up, grazed the post and went up, up and out with our dreams. A nation’s heart was cracked. No need for pretence. If you are reading this with hurt feelings I was writing with teary eyes. For once, during the tournament, Sultry Shakira’s ‘’Waka waka’’ did not sound sweet. As for K’naan’s ‘‘Waving Flag’’ chorus, nothing could be more jarring.

For us in Ghana, ‘’disappointment’’ is no longer an abstract noun but a physical pain that we have nursed since the dying seconds of a 120 minute-drama that saw a series of quick events drown our dreams. After the match, Coach Milovan’s theoretical ‘‘this is football’’ explanation would not heal a nation. We have to complete the therapy.

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So let us let it out, folks. I need to throw a few things at who, I don’t care. Oh, yes, Africa. What a sorry place. Once again, an entire continent was looking for a hero in Ghana. Ghana must beat Uruguay. Ghana must go to the semifinals. Ghana must wipe Africa’s shame. Ghana must this, Ghana must that.

Why should it always be Ghana? Quick flashback: in the last World Cup, Ghana was also the only African country to have gone beyond the group stage. There are 53 countries. There were six of us at the tournament, including the host nation. What did South Africa do? Where was La Cote d’Ivoire? Which manner of men played for Nigeria? Who sent Algeria there? How could Cameroun stoop so low?

Why should it always be Ghana bailing out this continent? Well, I have got news for Africa. Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana need not reach the 2010 World Cup semifinals to become the hero. We have always been champions. It is ingrained in our genes. So don’t cry for me, Africa.

What a continent! When others lump us up we complain. We blame them for their ignorance and assert our respective sovereignties. Yet we are quick to cower together behind a single country when a whiff of glory is in the air. OK, so everyone knows Ghana pioneered Pan-Africanism. (‘‘I still know there is hope in the Black Stars’’ said a text message I received after the match from a friend in Barbados). But that does not excuse this African paradox.

What happened to our twinkle, twinkle little stars was that, on the field, they had to carry the burden of an entire continent on their young shoulders. How cruel. Suddenly, all sorts of bored and recycled African organisations found it opportunistic to tag into a Black Stars semifinal berth.

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When they were playing Ghana, Uruguay was not doing it in the name of South America. Against Paraguay, Japan was not fighting for Asia. And when the Germany ‘’machine’’ was blitzkrieging Argentina 4-0 they were doing it for the sake of their Vaterland.

I suspect the ghosts of Kwame Nkrumah and Marcus Garvey would be hovering above me with reprimand. But even these two would understand that on this continent we are not the only stars. In fact, foxes, lions, eagles, and elephants have all paraded and trumpeted their virtues, n’est ce pas?

Can I break it down? If this continent must up its game and earn global respect, each country must up its individual game. Simple.

For all those who predicted that Ghana was going to win the World Cup, I doff my hat. You are prophets in your own right. After Uruguay, the Netherlands would have been our easiest conquest. Then at the finals even FIFA, would have their hearts pounding for us (if for nothing at all, for the ‘good of the game’). Something really happened on the way to Heaven, that Friday.

The Jabulani flew up, grazed the post and went up, up and out with our dreams. But it didn’t end there because this epic tragedy keeps coming back. It is the kind of scene that replays in your mental video.

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It was the last kick of extra time. But leading to that so much had happened. The imminence of penalty kicks, a missed goal, a hand ball, a red card… All in the spate of a few seconds. Players and fans alike did not have time to take it all in. The Jabulani ball was shot up, at an angle meant for the roof of the net. It was all so familiar. The kicker, Asamoah Gyan had done it same way, successfully, before.

As the ball continued its trajectory, the goalkeeper was clearly beaten. In the background, a partisan crowd bleated, practically to shoo the ball in. We widen our eyes. The world stood still. At crunch time the ball refused to take the critical dip under the post. Wickedly, the Jabulani hit the bar and went up, 90 degrees. Before one could say ‘’vuvuzela’’, it was over.

Has anyone seen Asamoah Gyan lately? I saw him on TV dancing, though less energetically. When Gyan told the BBC, ‘‘I don’t think I am worried’’, many doubted it. Now, he appears to be handling it well. Still, let us keep him in our prayers. That boy is probably scarred for life.

Again, Africa is part of the reason. Had one or two other teams been in the reckoning the pressure would have been much less. In our eagerness to ’’rescue Mother Africa’’ we the Ghanaian people also played along. If we feel so much hurt it is because we were all caught up in that save-the- continent agenda. Now we are experiencing twice the pain.

In a sense, we are like the English. At each soccer tournament the Merry England folks gear themselves up big time. Fuelled by a pub culture and roared on by a loud press, they declare their own version of ‘‘Ke naako.’’ It is time for the Brits to show the world who invented the game. But too often, they have had to fold up the Union Jack too soon. Their lesson: it is one thing hosting a prestigious soccer league and another presenting an unbeatable national side.

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For Ghana, the lesson to learn may be a bit more complicated. Self knowledge. In this very important international enterprise, self knowledge precedes all. It comes even before team strategy.

As a people, the ability to focus is part of our bane. This has been a weak point for our soccer players. Many of the factors that affect our team’s concentration during a tournament happen off the field. The point being made here is that managing the physical and psychological environment of our ‘’boys at war’’ is serious business. It involves understanding each player as well as assessing how emerging issues would impact the entire team.

We may have to re-examine the management of the environment of the team in camp. For instance, morale boosting is good. However, psychologist would tell you that when the stakes to perform become too high all the human body does is recoil naturally to its, neutral, ‘‘I am only human’’ mode.

Just for an example, our Venerable Nelson Mandela is larger than life. Could the Madiba’s invitation to party have been kept from the boys (as a pleasant surprise) until after the game? I cite this for a personal, if not shallow reason. If I, an eager writer, am informed just before writing an exam that I will be meeting Mandela, chances remain that I may, be bowled over with over-excitement.

Then there is the issue of how our boys psyche up before matches. Are we sure that the active drumming and the shi’ing of jama by players who have 90 minutes of physical engagement ahead of them is the best? It is on record that after Brazil had beaten Ghana 3-0 at the last World Cup, our opponents expressed shock at the fact that prior to the match our Black Stars spent excessive energy singing and praying.

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By all standards the 2010 World Cup has been an unusual one with an unusual ball. The Jabulani seems to be the most talked about ball in World Cup history. The first time I heard the word, I couldn’t help but notice that it rhymed with ‘’Fulani.’’ However, more was yet to come. In terms of movement, the Jabulani is just like the Fulani cattle herd, unpredictable.

The ball has caught many a player off guard. In the game against Australia, Asamoah Gyan’s own kinsman, Kingson was dealt a treacherous blow, so was Keeper Rob Green of England and Faouzi Chaouchi of Algeria.

To coach Capello of Team England, the Jabulani is the worst ever to be used at a World Cup.

‘’I’ve seen that the ball arrives really fast and the players are having problems controlling it.’’

But not every player bears the Jabulani a grudge. Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech had some positive comments. He said the ball has good visibility due to the colour design plus it feels good to handle. English midfielder Frank Lampard also happens to be among the few players who are Jabulani-friendly.

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In fairness, if the Big J was horrible it was horrible for all players. The Jabulani flew up, grazed the post and went up, up and out with our dreams…

kofiakpabli@yahoo.com

July 7, 2010

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People & Lifestyle

Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh becomes first Ghanaian juror for the Cannes Lions International Festival of creativity

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Angela Kyerematen Jimoh

The renowned Ghanaian Business Executive, Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh continues to make waves internationally as she becomes the first Ghanaian juror for the Cannes Lions International Festival of creativity.

Angela has been invited to join the Awarding Jury on the Creative Business Transformation category. Work across the globe will be judged, awarded, and celebrated during this prestigious international festival.

The Awarding Jury represents the global industry’s leading talent from diverse range of disciplines, from across 54 markets, and strictly by invitation.

Announcing this year’s festival, Marian Brannelly, the Global Director of Awards for LIONS, stated: “It’s exciting to see representation from four new markets this year – Armenia, Ghana, Pakistan and Panama – as well as the highest-ever representation from the Middle East and Africa. Our Jurors play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the Lions, and we thank them for everything they bring to the important task ahead.”

Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, added: “We’re delighted to have a balance and breadth of expertise and global representation across our Juries. The Awarding Juries represent the global industry’s leading talent from a diverse range of disciplines, and we welcome the unique perspectives they bring. We thank them for their time, dedication and care in setting the global creative benchmark for our industry.”

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Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh stated: “I can’t wait to bring my voice to the jury room to assess the groundbreaking creativity that will set the creative benchmark for another year. I am particularly thrilled that Ghana has a seat at the table for this world class festival and looking forward to making my country proud.”

Ms. Kyerematen-Jimoh is currently the National Digital Transformation Lead for Africa, at Microsoft where she works with governments and corporate institutions on their digital transformation initiatives. Prior to joining Microsoft, she spent a decade at IBM and ended her career with IBM as the CEO of IBM North East and West Africa (NEWA) overseeing IBM’s business in 35 countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Kenya and Senegal. She is a board member of Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), headquartered in Zurich, and Bank of Ghana. Angela is an alumna of Harvard Business School.

Author: Prince Akpah

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Tenant’s Rights: Can A Landlord Increase Your Rent In Dubai

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Rent In Dubai

Dubai’s rental market is evolving and most people worldwide are interested in staying in Dubai on rent because renting a house is the most favorable, appropriate, and inexpensive opportunity in the current scenario. If you are going to live in Dubai, it is important to know the legal rights declared by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency. 

There are proper laws, rules, and rights for both landlords and tenants and it is obliged for both parties to follow the law otherwise they have to face legal action.  

Rental amount calculation is also a matter to discuss in the rental contract. The rental amount depends on many factors including the location and size of the property, type and quality of housing, and availability of the property. To know about the exact amount and calculations, the calculator by the Dubai Land Department will be a convenient companion for you to resolve your ambiguities related to rental amount calculation.

In this post, we will discuss tenant’s rights in rental contracts between landlords and tenants. 

Tenants’ Rights In Dubai

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Over the past few years, the population in Dubai has been increasing. People from all over the world settle in Dubai and look for houses, apartments, flats, villas, or any other type of property that suits them according to their preferences on rent. Undoubtedly, Dubai as a real estate hub provides multiple opportunities to find their desired home on rent. 

With the increasing number of tenants in Dubai, disputes related to tenants’ and landlords’ relationships also increase. To settle these disputes and regulate the laws, rules, and regulations regarding tenants’ rights, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency with the Dubai Land Department regulates the rental laws in Dubai and this department is the best source of information about property, rental contracts, rental amount, rental laws, tenants’ and landlords’ relationship and their rights, or any other query related to the tenant’s law. 

In rental contracts, the query, “Can a landlord increase your rent” is common enough. In this section, we will discuss the laws in Dubai regarding this general query. What are the terms and conditions to increase the rental amount? How much rent can increase in a specific time duration? are also included in this discussion. 

Can A Landlord Increase Your Rent In Dubai? 

According to the Real Estate Regulatory Agency – RERA, a landlord can increase your rent but there are rules and regulations to follow. As per law, a landlord has to provide 90 days’ notification before any changes in the rental contract, breaking the contract, or increasing the amount. A landlord can increase your rent but he has to inform or notify you 90 days before the completion of the tenure period or renewal of the contract. Tenants must securitize the contract in writing as proof. 

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If the landlord does not inform you before 90 days, then as a tenant you have legal rights to refuse an increment in rental amount and new tenure will start on the same previous amount. You can even register a case with the Rent Disputes Settlement Case at the Dubai Land Department if the landlord does not follow the rules and forces you to increase the rental amount without any written notification. 

If the landlord properly follows the rules and notifies the tenants before 90 days then the tenant is legally obliged to sign the renewal agreement, before signing the renewal contract make sure all the conditions in the agreement are legally acceptable.

How Much Rent Landlords Can Increase In Dubai? 

To reduce the arguments between landlords and tenants about rental amount increment and to solve the query of how much rent landlords can increase, the Dubai Land Department released Decree 43 in December 2013. 

According to the Land Department Decree 43, a landlord is obliged to follow these rules:

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  • 0% rent permitted, if the rental is below 10% of the average rental rate in the market.
  • 5% rent permitted, if the rental is below 11% to 20% of the average rental rate in the market.
  • 10% rent permitted, if the rent is below 21% to 30% of the average rental rate in the market.

 

  • 15% rent permitted, if the rent is below 30% to 40% of the average rental rate in the market.
  • 20% rent permitted, if the rent is below 41% of the average rental rate in the market 

RERA Rent Calculator 

To predict the possibility of increasing rent, it is important to be aware of the real estate market conditions in Dubai. Dubai Land Department introduced the rental increase calculator, this calculator is an amazing source for calculating the increasing rental amount. Based on the same properties in the same area, the landlord can increase your rent and it is legally justified, so as a tenant, it is wise to be well aware of the properties and their market values and use the RERA rent calculator for the confirmation of increasing amount. 

Variables That Affect The Amount Of Rent Increase In Dubai

The following are the variables that affect the amount of rent increase in Dubai:

  • Property type, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or staff accommodation. 
  • Property location, in which area or community the desired property is located, moreover it is freehold property or lease property. 
  • Type of property, villa, apartment, penthouse, flat, or townhouse
  • Size of the property, number of bedrooms 
  • Tenancy contract expiry date 
  • Current annual rental amount 
  • Real estate market condition in the region 

Source = https://erehomes.ae/

Frequently Asked Questions

As A Tenant What Should I Do If The Landlord Asks To Evacuate The Property Before The Tenancy Contract’s Expiration? 

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According to Dubai Tenancy Law, the landlord can ask to evacuate the property before the tenancy contract’s expiration in the following cases: 

  • Rent has not been paid for more than 30 days after the tenant was notified.
  • The tenant gives the property to a third party without written consent or permission from the landlord.
  • The renter uses the property for different illegal activities.
  • When a tenant makes unnecessary changes to the property, restoring it to its original state is difficult.
  • If urgent maintenance is required on the property.

In all the above cases, the landlord should notify the tenant, 90 days before the contract ends. If the landlord does not inform the tenant before 90 days, the tenant can register a case with Rent Disputes Settlement Case at the Dubai Land Department.

Is The Landlord Allowed To Enter The Property In The Tenant’s Absence?

According to tenants’ rights in Dubai, the landlord is not allowed to enter the property in the tenant’s absence or without his permission. 

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The Future of the Springbok Captaincy

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The Future of the Springbok Captaincy

The captaincy of the Springboks is currently at a crossroads, with significant attention focused on Siya Kolisi’s tenure as the leader. Kolisi’s recent move to Racing 92 in France has ignited discussions on whether the Springboks should continue with an overseas-based captain. Coach Rassie Erasmus has shown a preference for a captain based within South Africa, which brings Kolisi’s role into question, despite his impressive form and commitment to the national team​​​​.

The Criteria

The future captain will inherit not just a role within the games, but also the responsibility of being a global ambassador for South African rugby. This selection will reflect SA Rugby’s strategic vision and its emphasis on maintaining a cohesive and competitive national squad in preparation for a busy schedule, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup​​​​.

The criteria for the next captain will extend beyond their on-field skills to include their ability to inspire and unify the team, especially during challenging times. The new leader must balance exceptional performance with the responsibility of being a role model.

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Candidates

Looking beyond Kolisi, the debate around his successor is intensifying. The top candidates for the role include Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am, and Bongi Mbonambi. 

Eben Etzebeth is known for his formidable presence and vast experience, including previous stints as a leader with the Boks. Renown for his formidable work rate, Etzebeth leads from the front​​ and is well-respected by all.

Lukhanyo Am offers a strategic and calm approach, crucial for high-pressure games. His experience as captain of the Sharks highlights his ability to lead effectively. However, he is criticised for not being outspoken and his starting position is contested​​.

Rumoured as frontrunner, Bongi Mbonambi is massively respected within the squad. As hooker, he is central to the forward pack, where his motivational presence and tactical acumen come to the forefront, especially in set pieces and defence.

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Each candidate presents a unique leadership style, which will be crucial as Rassie Erasmus aligns the team’s strategic direction towards future challenges, including the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This decision will influence not only the on-field tactics but also the overall team cohesion and resilience.

The Road Ahead

As the Springboks prepare for their upcoming fixtures and the ongoing evolution of their game plan, the choice of captain will undoubtedly be a cornerstone in their strategy. The anticipation around this decision reflects the profound impact a captain has, not just in leading the team in matches, but in steering the team’s cultural and strategic direction forward.

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The Scoreboard Guide: Understanding Basketball Betting Odds

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The Scoreboard Guide: Understanding Basketball Betting Odds

In the dynamic world of sports betting, understanding the language of odds is akin to deciphering the playbook of success. For basketball enthusiasts looking to venture into the realm of betting, mastering basketball betting odds is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing potential returns. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the intricacies of basketball betting odds, providing you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the scoreboard with confidence.

Deciphering Odds Formats

Basketball betting odds can be presented in various formats, including decimal, fractional, and moneyline. Each format has its own nuances, but the underlying principle remains the same: to represent the probability of a particular outcome occurring.

  • Decimal Odds: Commonly used in Europe and Australia, decimal odds represent the potential return on a 1 unit stake, including the initial stake. For example, odds of 2.50 mean that a successful bet of 1 unit would return 2.50 units in total (including the initial stake).
  • Fractional Odds: Popular in the UK, fractional odds express the potential profit relative to the stake. For example, odds of 5/1 mean that for every 1 unit staked, you would win 5 units in profit, plus your stake back if the bet is successful.
  • Moneyline Odds: Predominantly used in the United States, moneyline odds indicate the amount you need to stake to win 100 units (for negative odds) or the amount you would win for a 100-unit stake (for positive odds). For example, odds of -150 mean you need to stake 150 units to win 100 units, while odds of +200 mean you would win 200 units for a 100-unit stake.

Understanding Implied Probability

Implied probability is the likelihood of a particular outcome occurring, as implied by the odds. It can be calculated using the following formulas:

  • Decimal Odds: Implied Probability = 1 / Decimal Odds
  • Fractional Odds: Implied Probability = Denominator / (Denominator + Numerator)
  • Moneyline Odds: Implied Probability = (100 / (Odds + 100)) * 100

Implied probability provides bettors with valuable insights into the perceived likelihood of an outcome and allows them to assess whether the odds offered by bookmakers represent value.

Evaluating Odds and Finding Value

When evaluating basketball betting odds, it’s essential to consider various factors that can influence the outcome of a game, such as team form, player injuries, head-to-head records, and home-court advantage. Assessing these factors alongside the odds can help bettors identify value bets—opportunities where the odds offered by bookmakers underestimate the true likelihood of an outcome. By identifying value bets and capitalizing on them, bettors can maximize their returns over the long term.

Utilizing Odds Comparison Tools

In the digital age of sports betting, odds comparison tools have become invaluable resources for bettors seeking the best value. These tools allow bettors to compare odds offered by different bookmakers for the same event, enabling them to find the most favorable prices for their chosen bets. By shopping for the best odds, bettors can increase their potential returns and optimize their betting strategy.

Conclusion

As you delve into the world of basketball betting, understanding the language of odds is essential for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of success. By deciphering odds formats, calculating implied probability, evaluating odds, identifying value bets, and utilizing odds comparison tools, you can navigate the scoreboard with confidence and finesse. So, next time you’re placing a bet on a basketball game, remember to consult The Scoreboard Guide and make your move with precision.

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UBA America Strengthens Commercial Diplomacy, Hosts Diplomats, Business Leaders at World Bank Summit in Washington.

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UBA America, the United States subsidiary of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc hosted diplomats, government officials and business leaders to the networking reception in partnership with the esteemed Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and the U.S. Department of States in Washington DC on Monday 

 

The event which was held on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF World Bank Spring Meetings was organised by the BCIU and US Department of State to enhance collaboration and fortify commercial diplomacy among nations, institutions and individuals.

 

Speaking during the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, noted that the bank’s co-hosting of the event via its American subsidiary, underscores its commitment to cultivating robust relationships within the development communities in the United States.

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“As a distinguished member of BCIU, a non-profit organisation providing customised commercial diplomacy services, UBA Group and UBA America share BCIU’s vision of actively pursuing strategic opportunities, contributing to global economic cooperation, deepening of economic diplomacy, facilitating ideas, forging partnerships, and adding value for all stakeholders.” Alawuba said.

 

“Our resolve to co-host this Networking Reception symbolises our dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth and partnership across borders. By leveraging platforms like this, we can collectively address shared challenges and seize opportunities for sustainable development,” he stated further. 

 

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BCIU is a non-profit Association comprising of policy experts, strategic advisors, and trade educators, and offers bespoke commercial diplomacy services to the world’s governments and leading organizations, from Fortune 100 companies to global investors and multilateral institutions.

 

Only last year, the CEO UBA America, Sola Yomi-Ajayi, was appointed to the Board of BCIU, where she collaborates with fellow board members to ensure the organisation operates in alignment with its by-laws and New York 501(c)3 non-profit legislation.

 

Yomi-Ajayi has been committed to nurturing long-term organisational growth and sustainability, thereby reinforcing the bonds between UBA America, BCIU, and the broader international community.

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UBA America is the United States subsidiary of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with presence in 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates. UBA America serves as a vital link between Africa and the global financial markets, offering a range of banking services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, businesses, and institutions.

 

As the only sub-Saharan African bank with an operational banking license in the U.S., UBA America is uniquely positioned to provide corporate banking services to North American institutions doing business with or in Africa.

 

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UBA America delivers treasury, trade finance, and correspondent banking solutions to sovereign and central banks, financial institutions, SMEs, foundations, and multilateral and development organizations. Leveraging its knowledge, capacity, and unique position as part of an international banking group, the Bank seeks to provide exceptional value to our customers around the world. 

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Delay, Anne Sophie Avé, Salma Mumin, Fella Makafui and more attend Twinsdntbeg’s second major art exhibition in Accra

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Award-winning Ghanaian photography twin Twinsdntbeg recently hosted their second major art exhibition at a prestigious cocktail event in Accra, held at the elegant Country Club in Trassaco. (more…)

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