AGP Executive Report

Football: The Gambia’s 4–2 win over Ghana in Accra is driving debate over the Black Stars’ coaching future, with Ghana’s search committee due to recommend a successor to Carlos Queiroz. Youth Sport: Seven Gambian athletes will compete in judo, swimming, athletics, beach volleyball and boxing at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, running from October 31 to November 13. Media: A Gambian journalist is set to speak at the Rethink Media Conference in Austria. Volleyball: The Gambia Volleyball Federation has been honoured by the African governing body for its contribution to the sport.

Football: The Gambia’s 4-2 win over Ghana has left the Black Stars bottom of their AFCON qualifying group. Ghana’s five-member coach-search committee is expected to submit its report as pressure mounts for a turnaround. Youth Sport: Seven Gambian athletes will compete in judo, swimming, athletics, beach volleyball and boxing at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, running from October 31 to November 13. Manding Music: Gambian kora maestro Sura Susso and Malian guitarist Habib Koité are taking their Manding Melody Tour to the UK. Susso’s new album, Londi, celebrating griot heritage, is set for release on October 9.

Gambian Sport: Seven young athletes will represent The Gambia in judo, swimming, athletics, beach volleyball and boxing at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, running Oct. 31 to Nov. 13. Kora on Tour: Gambian kora maestro Sura Susso’s new album, Londi, is set for release today, Oct. 9. He and Malian guitarist Habib Koité will bring Manding music to Southampton on Oct. 24 as part of a UK tour. Music Platform: The Gambia has launched a homegrown kora music platform, giving the country’s signature instrument a new digital showcase.

Youth Sports: Seven Gambian athletes will compete in judo, swimming, athletics, beach volleyball and boxing at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, running from October 31 to November 13. Kora Music: The Gambia has launched a homegrown kora music platform, a new showcase for the country’s musical heritage. On Tour: Gambian kora maestro Sura Susso joins Malian guitarist Habib Koité for a Southampton concert on October 24, featuring music from Susso’s new album, Londi, released October 9.

Football: The Scorpions’ stunning 4-2 comeback win over Ghana continues to dominate regional football talk: Gambia overturned a 2-0 deficit in Accra, leaving the Black Stars’ AFCON qualifying campaign in crisis. Music: The Gambia has launched a homegrown Kora music platform, aiming to give the country’s traditional and contemporary sounds a new home. Creative Skills: STAND-Gambia trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye making, building practical skills through a hands-on craft. Volleyball: The African Volleyball Confederation honoured the Gambia Volleyball Federation for its contribution to the sport’s growth across the continent. Media: Gambian journalist Bakary Ceesay is set to speak at a Vienna conference on trust, credibility and the challenges facing journalists worldwide.

Gambian Football: Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh is nearing a return from a leg injury, though he may miss Saturday’s match at Sunderland. Scorpions’ Statement Win: The Gambia’s 4-2 comeback victory over Ghana has intensified scrutiny of the Black Stars after they surrendered a 2-0 lead in their AFCON qualifier. Music & Culture: The Gambia has launched a homegrown Kora music platform, while STAND-Gambia is training 10 women amputees in tie-dye making. Volleyball: The Gambia Volleyball Federation has received continental recognition from CAVB for its contribution to the sport’s growth in Africa. Tourism & Nightlife: Pushback has followed the GTBoard’s beach-party ban.

ECOWAS Court: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has sworn in five new judges, including Gambian Justice Awa Bah, for four-year non-renewable terms—an important regional legal milestone. Gambia in the spotlight (media): Gambian journalist Bakary Ceesay is set to speak at Austria’s re:think media conference in Vienna, focused on trust, credibility, and fact-checking in journalism. Ghana football fallout: Ghana’s Black Stars’ 4-2 loss to The Gambia has triggered a fresh wave of calls for reform—Queiroz has left, a five-member search committee is tasked with finding a new coach, and fans and officials are debating whether the GFA leadership should resign. Sports (regional): Beach soccer AFCON qualifiers move ahead as Ghana’s Black Sharks arrive in Nigeria for the Sand Eagles clash, with a Gambian official named as reserve assistant referee. Gambia volleyball: The Gambia Volleyball Federation received recognition from CAVB for its contribution to African volleyball development. Arts & culture (identity): Guineans in The Gambia marked Guinea’s 68th independence anniversary in Banjul, celebrating shared West African ties.

ECOWAS Court: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice swore in five new judges, including Justice Awa Bah of The Gambia, for four-year non-renewable terms—an important regional legal milestone. Gambia in the spotlight: Guineans in The Gambia marked 68 years of Guinea’s independence in Banjul, with officials highlighting deep ties between the two countries. Ghana–Gambia football fallout: Ghana’s Black Stars’ 4-2 home loss to The Gambia has reignited calls for deeper reforms at the GFA, after Carlos Queiroz’s exit and a new five-member search committee for a coach. Gambia sports pride: The Gambia Volleyball Federation received a continental honour from CAVB for its contribution to African volleyball. Media & trust: Gambian journalist Bakary Ceesay is set to speak at Austria’s re:think media conference on credibility and fact-checking. Education governance: WAEC appointed Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as Registrar/CEO, succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia. Local politics: The UDP asked the IEC to clarify a 28,932-voter discrepancy in supplementary registration figures.

Gambian Media Spotlight: Bakary Ceesay, a German-based Gambian journalist, is set to speak at re:think media’s 4th conference in Vienna on 8 Oct, focusing on trust, credibility, and fact-checking in journalism. Regional Football Governance: Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré says his government will step into football affairs even if FIFA sanctions follow, arguing the sport needs structural change. GFA Pressure Spillover: Ghana’s Black Stars crisis after a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia has sparked fresh calls for reform and leadership changes, with a new coach search committee named and public debate raging online. Gambia Electoral Integrity Watch: The UDP has asked The Gambia’s IEC to explain a 28,932-voter discrepancy in supplementary registration figures, urging clarity to protect confidence in the voters’ register. Sports Development in The Gambia: The Gambia Volleyball Federation received recognition from CAVB at its congress in Cabo Verde for its contribution to African volleyball growth. Gambia-Arts Adjacent Culture: A body-modification and identity discussion piece explores tattoos and piercings as long-running forms of self-expression and culture.

Ghana Football Shockwave: Carlos Queiroz has left the Black Stars after Ghana’s disastrous AFCON 2027 qualifying start, including a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia. The Ghana FA says the contract was ended by mutual agreement, with Ghana now scrambling for a new direction. GFA Overhaul Pressure: Calls are growing for GFA president Kurt Okraku to resign, while a five-member committee (chaired by Fred Pappoe) has been set up to recommend a new head coach by Oct 9. Sports Governance Debate: Commentators and groups like SWAG argue the problem runs deeper than coaching changes, pointing to wider accountability and management failures. Gambia Volleyball Win: The Gambia Volleyball Federation received continental recognition from CAVB in Cabo Verde for its contribution to African volleyball development. Cultural & Identity Talk: A piece on body modification traces tattoos and piercing from ancient rites to modern identity signals, including LGBTQ+ communities. Politics & Unity Tension: An NPP lawmaker’s viral remarks about Banjulians being “opportunistic” sparked criticism from UDP figures and calls for less divisive politics.

Local Sports Spotlight: Halliwell ABC staged a 15-bout “Back with a Bang” boxing show for local supporters, with standout amateur wins including Faran Green (42kg) levelling a rematch series at 1-1 and Sam Lane (73kg) beating Archie Jones; clubs from across the UK travelled for the home card. Regional Volleyball: The CAVB honoured the Gambia Volleyball Federation for its contribution to African volleyball, presented in Cabo Verde and received by GVBF president Bai Dodou Jallow. Ghana Football Fallout (Regional, but big for fans): Ghana’s Black Stars crisis deepened after a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia and a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, leading to Carlos Queiroz’s exit by mutual agreement and a new five-member coaching search committee chaired by Fred Pappoe. Youth & Democracy: ECOWAS says it will deploy youth-only election observers for Nigeria’s 2027 vote, with The Gambia also in the plan.

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.