AGP Executive Report

Football & Youth Development: The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) inaugurated the interim board of the Gambia Premier League, with GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo urging a faster path to a professional league and a new strategic business plan. Coaching & Training: GFF also announced the launch of its maiden CAF A Diploma Coaching Course at the National Technical Training Centre in Old Yundum, aiming to upgrade local coaching standards. Sports Updates: The Commonwealth Sports Association is set to brief media on Team Gambia’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games preparations, while the Gambia karate team won eight medals (6 bronze, 1 gold, 1 silver) at a regional open tournament. Arts & Culture: NCAC paid tribute to veteran graphic designer and book publisher Ruth Carrol, praising her logo and book design legacy across major Gambian institutions. Justice & Rights: The High Court heard eyewitness testimony in the Yunusa Mbaye murder trial, and the National Human Rights Commission warned that violent crime and justice delays are eroding public confidence.

Commonwealth Games Prep: The Gambia National Olympic Committee briefed media on Team Gambia’s Glasgow 2026 readiness, saying travel, accommodation, accreditation and competition logistics are in place ahead of the Games (23 July–2 August). Football Development: The GFF inaugurated an Interim Board for the Gambia Premier League, with plans for a strategic business plan and a push toward a professional league. Coaching Upgrade: The GFF launched its maiden CAF A Diploma Coaching Course at the NTTC in Old Yundum to raise local coaching standards. Sports Wins: The Gambia karate national team won eight medals (including a gold and silver) at a regional open tournament, while the Gambia Volleyball Federation presented trophies to the youth and sports minister after regional and international success. Arts & Culture: NCAC paid tribute to veteran graphic designer and book publisher Ruth Carrol, praising her logo and book design legacy. Justice & Rights: The NHRC warned that violent crime and justice delays are eroding public confidence, and called for faster implementation of TRRC recommendations. Community Concerns: WACA responded to residents’ complaints along Kotu Stream over flooding, health and environmental impacts.

GFF & Football Development: The Gambia Football Federation inaugurated the Interim Board of the Gambia Premier League, with GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo urging the team to build a strategic business plan and lift Gambian football to a new level. Courtroom & Community: In the Yunusa Mbaye murder trial, the High Court heard eyewitness testimony from a mechanic who said he saw the victim running ahead of the accused, then collapsing with severe bleeding before the accused fled. Arts & Culture: The National Centre for Arts and Culture paid tribute to veteran graphic designer and book publisher Ruth Carrol, praising her logo and book design work that shaped the visual identity of major Gambian and international institutions. Sports & Commonwealth Games: The GNOC briefed media on Team Gambia’s Glasgow 2026 preparations, while the Commonwealth Sports Association announced a press conference to unveil the campaign strategy and selected athletes. Human Rights Watch: The National Human Rights Commission warned that rising violent crime and justice delays are eroding public confidence, highlighting overcrowded detention conditions and slow TRRC recommendation implementation. Youth, Migration & Jobs: ECOWAS Parliament urged member states to expand youth employment and strengthen anti-trafficking laws, citing unemployment and limited training as key drivers of irregular migration. Local Sports Highlights: Gambia karate celebrated a medal haul at a regional tournament, and the Gambia Volleyball Federation presented trophies to the youth and sports minister after regional and international wins.

Sports & Youth: The Commonwealth Sports Association will hold a press conference today to officially launch Team Gambia’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games preparations, including the campaign strategy and the athletes selected. Football Development: The Gambia Football Federation is set to launch its maiden CAF A Diploma Coaching Course on 14 July at the NTTC in Old Yundum, aiming to upgrade local coaching standards. Karate & Volleyball Wins: The Gambia Karate Federation says the national team won eight medals (including a gold and silver) at the 2026 Karate Open Tournament, while the Gambia Volleyball Federation presented championship trophies to the youth and sports minister, who pledged continued support. Arts, Culture & Tourism: The tourism ministry says GTHI is being used to build hospitality skills and also plans to bring arts education into the curriculum, boost musical equipment for artists, and revive theatre and cinema to strengthen cultural tourism. Public Safety & Rights: The NHRC warns that rising violent crime and justice delays are eroding public confidence, citing overcrowded detention conditions, prolonged pretrial detention, and slow TRRC recommendation implementation. Justice System Watch: A legal commentary says Kumba Sinyan’s retrial shows the trial system is broken, even though the Supreme Court followed the law. Crime & Community Trust: A separate piece argues crime is a symptom of deeper conditions and that constant police reassurance can’t replace public trust.

Human Rights Watch: The NHRC says rising violent crime and slow justice are eroding public confidence, pointing to overcrowded police cells and prisons, prolonged pretrial detention, excessive force, and ongoing harm to women, children, and people with disabilities. Death Penalty Push: The NHRC also calls for a constitutional amendment to abolish capital punishment, arguing the moratorium since 2018 still leaves legal contradictions and risks irreversible miscarriages. Justice System Strain: A legal commentary says Kumba Sinyan’s retrial is the “correct outcome” but exposes a trial system that can wipe out months of work when judges change. Crime & Trust: A police-experienced writer argues crime is a symptom of deeper social conditions, warning that constant violent incidents are damaging trust even if official figures say crime is falling. Sports & Youth: Commonwealth Sports Association announces a press briefing to unveil Team Gambia’s Glasgow 2026 preparations; Gambia karate celebrates eight medals at a regional open tournament; and Gambia Volleyball Federation hands trophies to the youth and sports minister. Creative Sector: Tourism Minister highlights GTHI’s role in hospitality training and plans to bring arts education into the curriculum, plus support for musicians and revival of theatre and cinema.

Human Rights Watch: The NHRC says human rights affect every Gambian and warns that overcrowded prisons, prolonged pretrial detention, excessive force, and slow justice are eroding public confidence, with special alarm over violence against women and girls, FGM, rape, child abuse, and child marriage. Death Penalty Push: The NHRC calls for a constitutional amendment to abolish the death penalty, arguing capital punishment violates the right to life and creates legal inconsistency despite a 2018 execution moratorium. Courts & Fair Trials: A legal commentary says Kumba Sinyan’s retrial is the “correct outcome” under Supreme Court practice directions, but highlights a broken trial system that forces cases to restart. Info & Public Mood: Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay says Gambians focus more on shortcomings than achievements, citing health sector investments amid ongoing challenges. Sports & Youth Talent: The Gambia Karate Federation celebrates the national team’s eight medals at a regional open tournament, while the Gambia Volleyball Federation hands trophies to the youth and sports minister. Football Development: GFF launches its maiden CAF A Diploma Coaching Course to upgrade local coaching standards. Creative Sector & Tourism: Tourism and hospitality training efforts are linked to reviving arts, theatre, and cinema, plus plans to equip musicians with modern tools. Migration & Jobs: ECOWAS Parliament urges West African governments to create decent youth jobs and strengthen anti-trafficking laws after a Gambia engagement found unemployment and low incomes driving irregular migration. Culture Abroad: A rare live West African kora performance tour is highlighted for audiences in the US.

Human Rights Watch: NHRC chair Emmanuel Daniel Joof warned that violent crime and justice delays are eroding public trust, citing overcrowded police cells and prisons, prolonged pretrial detention, and slow TRRC recommendation implementation. Public Debate on Courts: Commentary on Kumba Sinyan’s murder retrial says the Supreme Court followed the law, but the trial system is still producing unfair outcomes when records can be lost. Media & Democracy: Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay said Gambians focus more on shortcomings than achievements, while NCCE training for youth, women, religious leaders and influencers aims to curb misinformation ahead of the 2026 elections. Sports & Talent: The Gambia Karate Federation celebrated a medal haul at a regional tournament in Senegal, and the Gambia Volleyball Federation presented trophies to the youth and sports minister. Football Development: GFF launched its maiden CAF A Diploma coaching course to upgrade local technical capacity. Creative & Tourism Push: Tourism Minister highlighted GTHI’s role in hospitality training and plans to bring arts, music equipment, and theatre/cinema revival into the creative sector. Migration Warning: ECOWAS Parliament heard from a former soldier that frustration and limited opportunities are driving youths into dangerous “backway” journeys.

GTHI & Creative Revival: The Tourism Minister says GTHI is key to equipping Gambian youth for hospitality jobs, and adds that arts education will be pushed into the national curriculum, with plans to procure musical equipment for local musicians and revive theatre and cinema to boost tourism. Karate Spotlight: The Gambia Karate Federation celebrates the national team’s historic 8 medals (6 bronze, 1 gold, 1 silver) at the 2026 Karate Open Tournament in Senegal, stressing discipline and the need for regular international exposure. Football Coaching Boost: The GFF launches its maiden CAF A Diploma Coaching Course on July 14 at the NTTC in Old Yundum, aiming to upgrade local coach qualifications and technical development. Beach Soccer Win: Kunkujang Friends win the 2026 GFF Beach Soccer League, beating Banjul Bees 6-3, with Kebba Ceesay (Team Rhino) taking top scorer honours (24 goals). Migration & Youth Jobs: ECOWAS Parliament reports from a week-long engagement in The Gambia point to unemployment, low incomes, weak training access, and social media pressure as drivers of irregular migration, urging job creation and tougher anti-trafficking action. Climate Threat: A new report highlights saltwater intrusion pushing inland and forcing farmers in Bantang Killing to abandon once-productive fields. Kora Live (Diaspora Culture): West African kora performer Sean Gaskell brings live shows to libraries in Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas, noting how rare kora performances are in the U.S.

GTHI & Creative Sector Revival: Tourism Minister Bakary Jobe says the Gambia Hotel and Tourism Institute will keep equipping youth for international hospitality standards, while arts education is set to enter the national curriculum and plans to procure musical equipment aim to boost local music. He also points to reviving theatre and cinema to draw visitors through Gambian storytelling. Karate Wins in Senegal: The Gambia Karate Federation celebrates the national team’s historic haul at the 2026 Karate Open Tournament—eight medals across nine events (6 bronze, 1 gold, 1 silver)—with federation officials urging more international exposure and continued support. Volleyball Trophies Delivered: The Gambia Volleyball Federation hands championship trophies to the youth and sports minister, highlighting regional and international success and pledging continued development with closer ministry support. Sports & Youth Migration Link: ECOWAS Parliament reports from a week-long engagement in The Gambia stress that unemployment, low incomes, weak access to education and training, and social media pressure are pushing young people toward irregular migration and trafficking. Chief Justice Debate: A legal commentary keeps the spotlight on Section 139 and the appointment of Chief Justice Edi M.O. Faal, weighing constitutional qualification arguments as public discussion grows beyond legal circles. Climate & Food Security: A report on saltwater intrusion shows farmers in Bantang Killing abandoning once-productive fields as soil salinity and changing rainfall undermine crops.

GFF & Football Leadership: Gambia’s football scene gets a boost as Kunkujang Friends win the 2026 GFF Beach Soccer League, beating Banjul Bees 6-3, with Kebba Ceesay (Team Rhino) taking top scorer honours (24 goals). Black Stars Coaching Talk: Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz future stays in focus: Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe urges the GFA to keep him for a short-term rebuild, while assistant Roger De Sa says Queiroz is still in charge despite exit rumours. ECOWAS Jobs & Migration: ECOWAS Parliament wraps a week of engagement in The Gambia, urging youth job creation, stronger anti-trafficking laws, and better support for returnees to curb irregular migration. Local Arts & Culture: ART27 Gallery plans a permanent home in Kartong, aiming to give Gambian artists a stable exhibition space, workshops, and visitor-driven income. Music: Ezra Collective announces a second Dublin show for March 2027 ahead of its album Here Because Of Hope. Sports Abroad (Gambia): Goalkeeper Musa Dibaga signs a two-year deal with Scotland’s Dunfermline Athletic.

Heritage Under Threat: A new call to protect The Gambia’s cultural memory argues heritage sites, sacred spaces, oral traditions and masquerades are not just for tourism—they’re the backbone of identity and future jobs. Digital & Business Growth: Radiant diGiLog launched a referral partner programme, paying 10% commission on first-year subscriptions, to turn trusted networks into workforce productivity opportunities. Shareholder News: Chams HoldCo declared a N270m dividend and named Segun Oloketuyi as board chairman after founder Ademola Aladekomo’s retirement. Civic Engagement: The NCCE rolled out influencer-focused training across all regions to curb misinformation ahead of the 2026 elections, backing youth, women and religious leaders to keep dialogue respectful. Arts & Culture: ART27 Gallery announced a permanent 360-square-metre space in Kartong to give artists stable exhibition access, with an opening show “BIG & BOLD.” Youth Innovation: UNICEF-backed showcase highlighted young Gambians’ digital solutions for children, including sign-language learning tools and an AI virtual teacher pilot. Climate Impact: Reporting from Bantang Killing shows saltwater intrusion is pushing farmers off once-productive land, threatening food and livelihoods. Sports (Gambia-linked): Gambian goalkeeper Musa Dibaga signed a two-year deal with Dunfermline Athletic after impressing in Northern Ireland.

ECOWAS Migration Jobs Push: The ECOWAS Parliament wrapped a week of citizen talks in The Gambia, urging member states to create decent jobs for young people and strengthen anti-trafficking rules, saying unemployment, low incomes, weak education access, and social media pressure are driving dangerous irregular migration. Gambia Climate Reality: A new report spotlights salt water intrusion as the leading edge of climate change in The Gambia, pushing farmers off once-productive land. GFF Football Leadership: GFF presidential aspirant Kemo Ceesay promises unity and reforms in his first 100 days, including a regular “Sports Bantaba” for transparent updates on FIFA funding and federation finances. Local Talent Abroad: Gambian goalkeeper Musa Dibaga signs a two-year deal with Scotland’s Dunfermline Athletic after impressing at Crusaders. Arts & Culture: ART27 Gallery plans a permanent 360-square-metre home in Kartong to give Gambian artists a stable exhibition space, with an inaugural “BIG & BOLD” show. Health Update: HIV care in The Gambia is expanding through differentiated service delivery, integrating services across 77 facilities to help more people start treatment sooner.

Climate & Food Security: A new report shows salt water intrusion is pushing inland in The Gambia, forcing farmers in Bantang Killing to abandon once-productive fields as rainfall drops and soil turns too salty for crops. Migration Policy: ECOWAS Parliament urged tougher anti-trafficking laws and more youth jobs after a citizens’ engagement in Banjul, warning that unemployment and weak training drive irregular migration. Football (Gambia): GFF presidential aspirant Kemo Ceesay promised unity and reforms in his first 100 days, including a regular “Sports Bantaba” for transparent updates on FIFA funding and federation finances. Football (Gambia): Goalkeeper Musa Dibaga signed a two-year deal with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic after impressing at Crusaders. Arts & Culture: ART27 Gallery is set to open a permanent 360-square-metre space in Kartong to give Gambian artists a stable exhibition home, with an inaugural “BIG & BOLD” show. Youth & Innovation: UNICEF-backed digital innovation teams showcased projects for children, including sign-language learning tools and a mobile app to help students prepare for WASSCE. Sports Development Debate: Calls are growing for safer, organised motorsport space for Gambian youth as illegal vehicle drifting sparks road-safety concerns.

ECOWAS Migration Crackdown: ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a citizens’ engagement in Banjul urging tougher anti-trafficking laws, more jobs for young people, and stronger support for survivors and returnees to curb irregular migration. Gambia Football Buzz: GFF presidential hopeful Kemo Ceesay promises unity and reforms in his first 100 days, including a regular “Sports Bantaba” for transparent updates on FIFA funding and federation finances. Art & Culture Growth: ART27 Gallery is set to open as a permanent home for Gambian artists, with a sustainable plan to host exhibitions, workshops, and visitor-focused spaces in Kartong. Youth Innovation: UNICEF-backed showcase highlights young Gambians’ digital solutions for children, from sign-language learning tools to an AI virtual teacher pilot. Health & Community: The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is expanding differentiated HIV care across 77 facilities to bring treatment closer to people. Sports Talent Abroad: Gambian goalkeeper Musa Dibaga signs a two-year deal with Scotland’s Dunfermline Athletic. Regional Media Push: CJID plans to fund investigative journalism and strengthen independent newsrooms across West Africa.

Gambia Football & Talent: GFF presidential hopeful Kemo Ceesay says he’ll unite stakeholders and roll out major reforms in his first 100 days, including a regular “Sports Bantaba” to share FIFA funding, development plans and federation finances. Local Sports Abroad: Gambian goalkeeper Musa Dibaga has signed a two-year deal with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic after impressing at Crusaders, pending clearance. Arts & Culture: ART27 Gallery is set to open a 360-square-metre permanent space in Kartong, aiming to give artists a stable exhibition home and launch with “BIG & BOLD.” Youth & Tech: Young Gambians showcased digital innovations backed by UNICEF, including sign-language learning tools and a WASSCE prep app. Health & Community: The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is expanding integrated HIV care through differentiated service delivery across 77 facilities. Women’s Rights & Law: Government reiterates respect for the Supreme Court verdict in the Modou Ceesay case, while broader rights debates continue after the FGM ban challenge heads to a ruling. Regional Media Strengthening: CJID plans to fund investigative journalism and strengthen independent newsrooms across West Africa, pushing data skills and regional cooperation. Development Investment: Aliko Dangote commits US$2 billion for a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel tank farm in The Gambia.

GFF Leadership Race: Kemo Ceesay says that if elected GFF president, he’ll unite Gambian football and deliver reforms in his first 100 days, including a regular “Sports Bantaba” for transparent updates on FIFA funding and federation finances. Football Talent Abroad: Gambian goalkeeper Musa Dibaga has signed a two-year deal with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic after impressing at Crusaders, pending international clearance. Art27 Gallery Push: ART27 Gallery plans a permanent 360-square-metre home in Kartong, aiming to give artists a stable exhibition space and become financially sustainable through rentals, workshops, and a café/bar. Digital Youth Innovation: A UNICEF-backed showcase highlighted young Gambians’ digital solutions for children’s learning and disability inclusion, plus a WASSCE prep app called Wild Wizard. Road Safety Debate: Gunjur’s anti-drifting response sparked wider discussion on whether drifting should stay illegal street chaos or be developed into a regulated motorsport space for youth. HIV Care Upgrade: The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is expanding differentiated HIV service delivery across 77 facilities to help more clients start treatment sooner. ECOWAS Youth Clubs: ECOWAS launches school clubs in The Gambia to promote integration, peace, and youth leadership. Commonwealth Games: The Gambia National Olympic Committee names Lam Basse (Lamin) for the 2026 Commonwealth Games athletics team. Women’s Rights & Backlash: A new brief examines how Gambian activists counter coordinated resistance to the FGM ban, stressing multi-level coalitions and survivor-centred advocacy.