AGP Executive Report

Black Stars coaching shake-up: Ghana’s GFA and Sports Ministry have set up a five-member committee to find a new head coach after Carlos Queiroz’s exit following the 4-2 home loss to The Gambia. Former GFA VP Fred Pappoe chairs the panel, with Stephen Appiah, Anthony Baffoe, Agbesi Dzakpasu and Faisal Chibsah tasked to submit recommendations by Oct 9. Calls for Kurt Okraku to go: King Faisal owner Alhaji Karim Grusah says GFA president Kurt Okraku must resign, slamming the leadership after Ghana’s 0-point start to AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Political pressure on football: Sports Minister Kofi Adams has summoned the GFA for an emergency meeting to demand answers, while SWAG and others argue the crisis is deeper than changing coaches. Gambia arts & culture: GTBoard faces backlash over suspending beach parties and public entertainment in the Tourism Development Area, with critics warning it could hurt workers and tourism businesses; meanwhile STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative.

Gambia-Tourism Tension: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) is facing pushback after suspending beach parties, concerts, festivals and other entertainment in the Tourism Development Area, with critics saying the move lacks clear details on the security risks and could hurt workers and small businesses. Gambia Skills & Fashion: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn the new skills into income through sales of the products. Regional Sports Shock (Ghana vs The Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars’ 4-2 collapse at home to The Gambia has reignited calls for football reform, including anger over Carlos Queiroz’s exit and renewed demands for accountability at the Ghana Football Association. Football Governance Fallout: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams summoned the GFA for answers, while SWAG and club owner Alhaji Karim Grusah called for deeper changes beyond swapping coaches. West Africa Politics: ECOWAS says it will deploy youth-only election observers for Nigeria’s 2027 election, with plans to extend the approach to other countries including The Gambia. Education Leadership: WAEC appointed Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar/CEO for 2026–2031, succeeding The Gambia’s Alhaji Pateh Bah. Culture & Debate: A commentary on the difference between jokes and mockery sparked discussion on intent, impact, and harm.

Gambia Tourism & Culture: GTBoard’s suspension of beach parties, concerts, festivals and other public entertainment in the Tourism Development Area has drawn sharp criticism, with human rights activist Madi Jobarteh questioning the legal basis and warning that an indefinite shutdown could hurt workers and tourism businesses. Women’s Empowerment: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into income and expand to other regions. Ghana Football Fallout (Regional arts spotlight): Ghana’s Black Stars’ 4-2 collapse to The Gambia has triggered a wave of calls for reform and leadership changes, including public demands for GFA President Kurt Okraku to resign and debate over whether the problem is coaching instability or deeper governance issues. Coaching Shake-up: Carlos Queiroz left the Black Stars by mutual agreement after the poor AFCON 2027 qualifying start, while Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams summoned the GFA for answers. Sports Governance: Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee plans to interrogate the GFA and the Ministry over the team’s struggles. Tech & Community Arts: Mozilla Festival returns to Barcelona (Wilding, Oct 28–30) with art installations and community-led tech sessions.

GFA/Black Stars Crisis: Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz has left the Black Stars after a disastrous start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the team losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire and 4-2 to The Gambia; the GFA says the split was by mutual agreement, while fans and football voices are now pushing for deeper reforms beyond just changing coaches. Sports Governance Pressure: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has summoned the GFA for answers, and Parliament’s Sports Committee plans to interrogate what’s going wrong in Ghana football. Gambia Match Fallout: The Gambia coach Johnny McKinstry said his side won the “psychological battle” after Ghana’s tunnel tensions at half-time, as Ghana’s collapse after leading 2-0 became the week’s defining talking point. Tourism & Entertainment Rights: In The Gambia, the GTBoard’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area is drawing criticism over unclear security reasons and impacts on workers and businesses. Women’s Creative Skills: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into income. Regional Education Leadership: WAEC appointed Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar/CEO for 2026–2031, succeeding The Gambia’s Alhaji Pateh Bah.

Gambia-Tourism & Culture: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) is facing backlash after suspending beach parties, concerts, festivals and other public entertainment in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), with critics saying the move lacks clear details on the security risks and could hurt musicians, DJs, vendors and tourism workers. Women’s Creative Skills: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into income and expand to other regions. Regional Football Shock (Ghana vs Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars’ 4-2 home collapse to The Gambia has triggered major fallout, including Carlos Queiroz’s exit as coach and fresh calls for wider reforms—while the Gambia coach pointed to a “psychological battle” after heated tunnel exchanges at half-time. Sports Governance Pressure: Ghana’s Parliamentary Sports Committee plans to invite the GFA and Ministry to explain the Black Stars’ struggles and what’s driving the decline. Tech & Skills (West Africa): EY alumni leaders urged responsible adoption of agentic AI with strong governance and human oversight.

AFCON fallout in Ghana: Carlos Queiroz has left his post as Ghana head coach by mutual agreement after a disastrous 2027 AFCON qualifying start, including a 4-2 home collapse to The Gambia after leading 2-0. The Ghana FA says his record in the second stint was one win, two draws and four defeats in seven matches, and it will announce the next technical direction. Coach blame vs deeper issues: Queiroz said “soft goals” before half-time shattered confidence, while players and commentators are now questioning the wider setup—some calling for GFA leadership changes, even dissolution, and others arguing the problem goes beyond the bench. Gambia’s momentum: Gambia coach Johnny McKinstry credited a “psychological battle” after Ghana players exchanged heated words in the tunnel at half-time. Tourism & inclusion in The Gambia: GTBoard faces pushback after suspending beach parties and public entertainment in the Tourism Development Area, while STAND-Gambia (with EU support) trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative.

Gambia Tourism & Entertainment: GTBoard’s beach-party ban in the Tourism Development Area is drawing pushback, with human rights activist Madi Jobarteh saying the suspension lacks clear details on the security threats and could hurt musicians, DJs, promoters, vendors and other tourism workers. Women’s Creative Skills: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn the new skills into income and expand to other regions. Sports, Regional Spotlight: Ghana’s Black Stars turmoil dominated headlines after a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia, triggering fresh calls for coaching and federation changes; Carlos Queiroz left by mutual agreement, while the Gambia coach said Ghana lost the psychological battle at half-time. Arts & Culture Abroad: Mozilla Festival returns to Barcelona (Oct 28–30) with art installations and community-led tech sessions, while a BRAVE culture event in Bradford (Oct 17) mixes music, dance, drumming and workshops.

AFCON 2027 Fallout: Ghana’s Black Stars face fresh calls for change after a 4-2 home collapse to The Gambia, surrendering a 2-0 lead at Accra Sports Stadium; coach Carlos Queiroz rejected resignation demands, while fans and officials—including former GFA chair Nyaho-Tamakloe—pushed for Kurt Okraku and even the GFA to step aside or be dissolved. Match Psychology: The Gambia coach said his side won the “psychological battle” after overhearing Ghana players exchange heated words in the tunnel at half-time. Gambia Football Growth: Sabi FC, newly promoted to Division Two, set October 1 for 2026/27 pre-season as they prepare for national-level competition. Arts & Culture (UK): Bradford’s BRAVE Presents returns Oct 17 with live music, dance, drumming, spoken word and workshops celebrating Black roots and voices. Democracy Watch (Gambia): International IDEA reports improved democratic performance in The Gambia since 2017, with a push for a code of conduct ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.

Ghana–Gambia AFCON fallout: Ghana’s Black Stars blew a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 at home to The Gambia, leaving them pointless and bottom of Group C after also falling to Côte d’Ivoire—sparking fresh calls for Carlos Queiroz to resign and for the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to be dissolved and rebuilt. Leadership pressure: Former sports officials and MPs backed the “dissolve the GFA” line, while others warned that FIFA rules could complicate any reset, urging meetings and internal fixes first. Match talk: Queiroz apologised to fans, insisted his record isn’t ruined by one result, and praised substitutes Ibrahim Sulemana and Augustine Boakye, while Gambia coach Jonathan McKinstry said Ghana’s halftime tension helped fuel the comeback. Ghana camp disruption: Morocco cancelled a planned Oct 4 friendly in Tangier with Ghana, adding to the scramble ahead of the next qualifiers. Gambia beyond football: International IDEA says The Gambia’s democratic performance has improved since 2017, with efforts underway to promote peaceful elections ahead of December 2026. Arts & culture note: Nollywood stars including Destiny Etiko and Patience Ozokwor reportedly arrived in Accra for Lil Win’s “A Journey to Africa.”

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Shock: The Gambia stunned Ghana 4-2 in Accra after the Black Stars led 2-0, with Gideon Mensah taking responsibility and Carlos Queiroz apologising to fans as Ghana sit bottom of Group C. Gambia Coach Insight: Jonathan McKinstry said the comeback wasn’t a surprise, pointing to frustration among Ghana players at halftime that his team exploited. GFA/Queiroz Pressure: Calls are growing for Kurt Okraku’s resignation and even GFA dissolution, while Queiroz insists resigning won’t fix Ghana’s deeper problems. Matchday Fallout: The same qualifying round also saw Nigeria thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau, adding to West Africa’s early-group tension. Local Sports Build-Up: Ahead of the next fixtures, Ghana and Gambia both discussed absences, with Djiku among those ruled out and coaches urging supporters to back available squads. Tourism & Info Integrity: Separately, GTBoard condemned attacks on tourists in the Tourism Development Area, and the Gambia Information Commission urged better access to reliable information ahead of the December 2026 election.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars host The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium today, chasing their first points after a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire. Team News: Coach Carlos Queiroz says 22 players are fit, with Ronald Donkor the only late doubt, while defender Alexander Djiku is ruled out. Tactics & Pressure: Queiroz urges fans to back the squad available and stresses continuity, warning against changing too many players each camp. Gambia View: Scorpions assistant coach Abdul Jammeh downplays Ghana’s absentees, arguing their own missing players matter more. Local Sports Development: Minifootball takes a step toward official setup with an engagement meeting on 3 October to introduce statutes and form an executive committee. Tourism & Safety: GTBoard condemns attacks on tourists in the Tourism Development Area and warns violators will face action. Information Integrity: The Gambia Information Commission calls for accurate, reliable information ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, warning misinformation can inflame divisions.

AFCON Qualifier Focus: The Gambia’s Scorpions will face Ghana’s Black Stars in Accra on Tuesday with five key players missing, according to assistant coach Abdul Jammeh, who says the absentees have scored 24 goals recently. Ghana, meanwhile, is also dealing with withdrawals, including defender Alexander Djiku ruled out after injury. Team News & Pressure: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says 22 players are fit for the match and urges fans to back the squad available, not complain about those absent, while also calling for stability in selection to avoid “starting from zero” every camp. Goalkeeping Spotlight: Daniel Gaspar claims Ghana has Africa’s strongest goalkeeper group, naming Lawrence Ati Zigi, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang ahead of the clash. Match Officials: Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf has been appointed to officiate at Accra Sports Stadium, with a full team of assistants and commissioners named. Sports Development: Minifootball in The Gambia takes a step toward formal setup with an engagement meeting scheduled for 3 October 2026.

AFCON 2027 Qualifier Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars are gearing up for Tuesday’s home clash with The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire. Coach Carlos Queiroz says 22 players are fit, but defender Alexander Djiku is ruled out with injury, adding to a growing list of absentees. Queiroz also urged fans to back the team on the pitch, not complain about who’s missing, while stressing stability in call-ups to avoid “starting from zero” each camp. Gambia Sports Development: In The Gambia, minifootball is moving toward official recognition, with an engagement meeting set for 3 October to introduce the sport’s statutes and form an executive committee. Local Politics & Rhetoric: Media monitoring flagged comments by Lands Minister Hamat Bah ahead of the 5 December presidential election, warning that “foreigner” language can fuel exclusionary politics. Tourism Spotlight: Gambia Tourism Board DG Ida Jeng Njie urged Nigerians to “come to the Gambia” to explore, learn, and experience the country’s offerings.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs The Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars resumed training after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire, with the big focus now on Tuesday’s clash at Accra Sports Stadium. Injuries are reshaping the squad: defender Alexander Djiku is ruled out, while other key absences include Kudus, Partey, Jordan Ayew, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei and Baba Rahman. Fan push: Djiku and midfielder Kwasi Sibo both urged Ghanaians to turn up in numbers, with Sibo posting “Glory awaits.” Matchday build-up: Ghana’s goalkeeper coach Daniel Gaspar claimed the team has the best collection of keepers in Africa, naming Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang. Gambia spotlight: The Scorpions arrive after beating Somalia 2-1, putting pressure on Ghana to get points early. Media logistics: 300 journalists have been accredited for the Ghana–Gambia qualifier. Gambian arts & culture: Rohey Camara was unveiled as Miliket Noodles’ brand ambassador, while Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons in The Gambia.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs The Gambia): Ghana’s Black Stars returned to training in Accra after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire, with coach Carlos Queiroz and the squad stepping up preparations for Tuesday’s clash at Accra Sports Stadium (16:00 GMT). Captain’s Call for Support: Defender Alexander Djiku urged Ghanaians to turn up in numbers, while winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku echoed the message after the defeat. Goalkeeping Confidence: Goalkeeper coach Daniel Gaspar claimed Ghana has “the best assembly of goalkeepers in Africa,” naming Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Benjamin Asare and Joseph Anang. Referee VAR Frustration: Queiroz questioned the lack of VAR and criticised a penalty decision in the Ivorian win; Côte d’Ivoire coach Hervé Renard declined to respond. Gambia Arts & Entertainment: Rohey Camara was unveiled as Miliket Noodles’ brand ambassador in The Gambia, and music development practitioner Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons (AMI) in The Gambia. Sports Media Access: 300 journalists were accredited for the Ghana–Gambia qualifier.

Ghana–Gambia AFCON build-up: Ghana’s Black Stars are bracing for Tuesday’s qualifier in Accra after a tough 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire. Defender Alexander Djiku and winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku both urged fans to pack the stadium, while Kwasi Sibo insisted the campaign is still salvageable. Matchday logistics: GFA Communications says 300 journalists are accredited for the Ghana vs Gambia clash, with tag collection set for Monday at Accra Sports Stadium. Gambia football confidence: The Scorpions arrive buoyed by their 2-1 win over Somalia, leaving Ghana bottom of Group C and raising the stakes for the home side. Sports governance debate: Carlos Queiroz again questioned why VAR isn’t used in AFCON qualifiers after the penalty controversy in Bouaké, while Côte d’Ivoire coach Hervé Renard declined to respond. Arts & culture spotlight: Gambian actress/model Rohey Camara was unveiled as Miliket Noodles’ brand ambassador, and Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons Gambia. Regional security note: ECOMIG clarified that Senegal’s troop rotation in The Gambia is routine and not linked to the December election.