AGP Executive Report

Professional Football League: Football stakeholders in The Gambia will validate the business plan for the country’s first professional league this Thursday at Metzy Residence Hotel, Kololi—aimed at shifting the sport from amateur to professionally run, creating jobs across the football ecosystem and boosting youth opportunities. Telecom Upgrade: PURA says The Gambia will move from seven-digit to nine-digit phone numbers starting September 4, 2026, with existing numbers kept and a two-digit prefix added; a transition period runs until November 30. Arts & Purpose: Merck Foundation marks World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, highlighting how art and fashion are used to tackle issues like FGM, gender-based violence, and health stigma. Sports Spotlight: The GFF Beach Soccer League reaches its climax after Banjul’s Bees beat Sukuta Tigers 6-3 in a semifinal, with Momodou Jobe scoring a hat-trick. Media Skills: Gambian journalists are being trained on AI in media content as part of regional broadcasting efforts, focusing on ethical, future-ready reporting. Healthcare Boost (Farato): Barrow officially opened Farato Hospital, with plans for a larger teaching hospital complex and improved diagnostics and imaging services.

Sports & Community Spotlight: The Gambia Football Federation Beach Soccer League hit its climax as Banjul-based team Palma Rima Beach beat Sukuta Tigers 6-3 in a semifinal, with Momodou Jobe scoring a hat-trick. Local Football Drama: The Second Division League season ends today with Kanifing East chasing the title on 60 points in their final match vs Wagadu, while Colley Stars need a win over AJ Soccer and hope Kanifing East slip up. Media & Skills for the Future: Gambia-based journalist Solomon Gumah was selected for the CJID Storytelling Fellowship on Environmental Journalism, training in Accra later in July. AI in Gambia’s Newsroom: The Ministry of Information and the African Union of Broadcasting ran a two-day AI capacity programme for Gambian journalists on ethical AI content, deepfakes, and misinformation control. Arts, Fashion & Heritage: Princess Anne’s “queen of recycling” moment keeps trending—she wore a 42-year-old dress tied to her 1984 Gambia visit for a London centenary banquet. Health & Infrastructure (Arts-adjacent public life): Barrow opened a new diagnostic and imaging centre in Farato, aiming to cut the need for Gambians to travel abroad for specialised care. Public Safety Concern: Rising violent crime in The Gambia is framed as a national alarm needing stronger policing, faster justice, and better community trust.

Atlantic Africa Spotlight in Banjul: Morocco’s Embassy and the University of The Gambia hosted an Atlantic African States Process conference, with Gambian officials stressing the AASP’s goal of turning the Atlantic into an “economic and human bridge.” Gambia Football Buzz: The Second Division League season ends today as Kanifing East and Colley Stars chase the title in final-day fixtures, including Kanifing East vs Wagadu and Colley Stars vs AJ Soccer. Sports & Community: Barrow opened a modern mini stadium in Bakoteh, honoring O.J Jallow’s legacy and urging locals to take ownership. Public Safety Concern: Rising violent and opportunistic crime in The Gambia is framed as a national alarm needing action beyond policing alone. Prison Services Clarification: Activists questioned a reported presidential pardon; Prisons says the case involved manslaughter, not rape, and urges accurate reporting of court outcomes. Media & Tech Skills: Journalists in Banjul trained on AI in media content, focusing on ethical reporting and misinformation control. Regional Digital Justice: ECOWAS Court launched an electronic case management system to speed up justice across the region. Fashion Moment (Gambia ties): Princess Anne wore a 42-year-old dress first worn during a 1984 trip to Gambia, keeping her “recycling” style in the spotlight.

Royal Fashion Recycling: Princess Anne turned heads in London by rewearing a 42-year-old butter-yellow gown first worn during a 1984 trip to The Gambia, pairing it with white gloves and classic accessories—fans are calling it “still fits perfectly.” Gambia Media & Tech Skills: The Ministry of Information and the African Union of Broadcasting launched a two-day AI training for Gambian journalists in Banjul, focusing on ethical AI use, deepfake detection, and misinformation control. Cross-Border Telecom Deal: PURA and ARTP signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on cross-border telecom and postal regulation, with cybersecurity and consumer protection highlighted. Healthcare Upgrade in Farato: President Barrow opened a state-of-the-art emergency treatment and diagnostics complex in Farato, including a National Reference Laboratory and plans for a future 1,500-bed teaching hospital. Sports Spotlight: The GFF Beach Soccer League climaxed with Banjul-based team winning 6-3 over Sukuta Tigers in a semifinal, powered by hat-tricks. Local Football Governance: Kemo Ceesay unveiled a “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030” for the GFF presidential race, promising decentralisation, women’s empowerment, and stronger competition structures. Justice Update: Rongo’s defence team in his D30m civil suit against authorities applied for an adjournment to certify documents for trial. Regional Justice Tech: ECOWAS Court launched a digital case management system aimed at faster, cheaper, more accessible justice across the region.

LGBTQ+ Refugee Film: “Exiled for Existing” shares first-person stories from LGBTQ+ refugees across Africa, premiering at Refugee Festival Scotland during Pride Month 2026. GFF Beach Soccer: Banjul-based Bees beat Sukuta Tigers 6-3 in the Palma Rima Beach semifinal, with Momodou Jobe scoring a hat-trick as the league heads to its climax. Media & AI Training in Banjul: Gambian journalists get a two-day capacity boost on “Artificial Intelligence in Media Content,” covering deepfake detection, fake news control, and ethical AI use. Cross-border Telecom/Postal Deal: PURA and ARTP sign an MoU to strengthen cooperation on roaming, spectrum coordination, cybersecurity, consumer protection, digital services, e-commerce, and postal regulation. Healthcare Upgrade in Farato: President Barrow opens a state-of-the-art emergency treatment centre and diagnostic/imaging facilities, with plans to expand into a 1,500-bed teaching hospital. Sports Spotlight: Gambia’s volleyball team qualifies for Congo 2026 after a dramatic five-set win over Senegal; meanwhile Medina United clinches the league title with a late Adama Kanteh goal. Local Justice Case (Rongo): Defence seeks an adjournment in Rongo’s D30 million civil suit over alleged unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and loss of earnings. Infrastructure Concerns: Residents question whether new roads and electricity projects are improving livelihoods, citing power interruptions and high farming costs.

Gambia Football: Medina United Academy crowned champions in their first top-flight season, taking the GFF league title and celebrating with a trophy, gold medals and D1,000,000. Sports Spotlight: Gambian karate athletes returned from the Senegal Open Championship with eight medals (one gold, one silver, six bronze), while the Gambia volleyball team also made history by winning Zone 2 qualification for Congo 2026 after a dramatic five-set win over Senegal. Local Arts & Culture: Serrekunda Central got a modern mini stadium—Bakoteh’s new facility named after O.J Jallow—aimed at giving young athletes better training grounds. Entertainment & Media: A Gambian musician, Rongo, is pushing a D30 million civil case over alleged unlawful arrest and detention, with the defence seeking more time to certify documents. Youth & Society: The Supreme Court’s upcoming FGM case is framed as a make-or-break moment for girls’ protection in The Gambia. Community & Skills: She Trades (under an EU youth project) wrapped a five-day workshop for women and youth-led MSMEs, focusing on pitching and market skills for tourism, fashion and handicrafts. International Flair: Princess Anne wore the same 1984 dress she once wore during a Gambia visit—fans are calling it “still fits perfectly.”

Sustainable Fashion Spotlight: Princess Anne turned heads again in London by wearing a 42-year-old dress she first wore during a 1984 visit to The Gambia, proving her “recycling” style still fits perfectly. AI for Workforces: Nigeria-born Radiant diGiLog rolled out its AI workforce productivity platform across markets including the UK, South Africa, Uganda and Canada, aiming to replace messy paper and spreadsheet tracking with one digital system for attendance and task execution. Gambia Sports Wins: Medina United Academy clinched the GFF top-flight league title in their first season, while Gambian karate athletes returned from Senegal with eight medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 6 bronze). Football Reform Talk: Kemo Ceesay unveiled a “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030” for the GFF presidency, promising decentralised administration and stronger domestic competitions. Local Culture & Youth: She Trades Gambia Hub wrapped a skills programme for women and youth-led MSMEs under an EU-backed tourism and creative industries project, focusing on market-ready pitching and communication. Community Safety: The Gambia’s Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could affect the 2015 ban on female genital mutilation, with survivors saying the outcome could change lives.

GFF Football Reform: Veteran administrator Kemo Ceesay unveiled his “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030,” promising decentralised football administration, stronger women’s football, and a more trusted, professional Gambia Football Federation ahead of the August race. Sports Glory: Medina United Academy crowned themselves GFF Division One champions in their first top-flight season, while Medina United’s late heroics secured the league title and the club celebrated with trophies and cash prizes. International Sports Moment: Gambian volleyball made history by winning the sub-region’s sole ticket to the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship in Congo after a dramatic five-set win over Senegal. Local Court Update: Rongo’s D30 million civil suit against police and DLEAG figures in Banjul faces another procedural step as the defence seeks an adjournment to certify documents for trial. Arts & Community: A Gambia school gets a boost as Love to Sing Choir stages a free Casares Costa concert to raise funds, and local students create murals to celebrate culture and fight graffiti. Youth & Culture: Gambian karate athletes returned from Senegal with eight medals, including a gold, after the Senegal Open Championship.

Sports & Youth: Medina United Academy crowned champions of the GFF Division One in their first top-flight season, taking the trophy, gold medals and D1,000,000, while the final-day drama also saw relegation heartbreak for Steve Biko and Samger and a playoff for TMT FC. Football Governance: Veteran administrator Kemo Ceesay unveiled his “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030” for the GFF presidency, promising decentralised administration, pro domestic competitions, and stronger inclusion for women and persons with disabilities. Combat Sports: The Gambia karate team returned from Senegal’s Open Championship with eight medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 6 bronze), celebrated at Banjul Sea Port. Arts & Community: Under the EU Youth Empowerment Project, She Trades Gambia Hub graduates 31 women entrepreneurs after a skills workshop spanning tourism, fashion and handicrafts, with pitching and market-ready soft skills. Legal/Entertainment: Gambian musician Rongo’s D30m civil suit seeks an adjournment as defence prepares certified documents for trial. National Spotlight: Government welcomed the Global Peace Index 2026 ranking of The Gambia among Africa’s most peaceful countries.

Local Sports Spotlight: Medina United Academy crowned champions of the GFF Division One in their debut top-flight season, sealing the title with a late winner against Gambia Ports Authority and celebrating with a trophy, gold medals and D1,000,000. Football Reform Talk: Veteran administrator Kemo Ceesay unveiled a “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030” for the GFF presidency, promising decentralised administration, stronger domestic competitions, and wider inclusion for women and persons with disabilities. Community Sports Facility: Barrow’s government delivered a modern mini stadium in Bakoteh, naming it after late O.J Jallow and urging residents to take ownership. Martial Arts Success: The Gambian karate team returned from Senegal’s Open Championship with eight medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 6 bronze). Youth & Culture: Local students created murals to celebrate culture and push back against graffiti. Creative/Arts Support: She Trades (EU Youth Empowerment Project) trained women and youth-led MSMEs in tourism, fashion and handicrafts pitching and market skills. Civic/Media Note: The IEC warned a viral “fake release” about UNITE’s registration, saying it was not authentic.

Court Case Update (Music): Gambian musician Momodou Lamin Jarju, aka Rongo, is back in court in his D30 million civil suit over alleged unlawful arrest and detention, with the defence seeking an adjournment to certify documents for trial. Sports (Stadium): Serrekunda Central residents got a modern mini stadium as Barrow honours O.J Jallow’s legacy, urging proper community ownership and use. Politics (Electoral Rumours): The IEC says a viral “UNITE registration” claim is fake, after social media circulated a release blaming the party’s leader’s UDP membership. Football (Reform): Kemo Ceesay unveiled a football reform blueprint ahead of the GFF presidency race, promising decentralisation, professional competitions, and wider inclusion. Sports (Karate): The Gambia karate team returned from Senegal with eight medals—one gold, one silver, and six bronze. Rights & Culture (FGM): The Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could shape the 2015 FGM ban, with survivors and activists pushing for stronger protection. Peace & Society: The Global Peace Index 2026 again ranks The Gambia among Africa’s most peaceful countries, citing safety and stability gains. Youth & Migration: A National Youth Council dialogue in Kanifing tackles youth irregular migration, focusing on causes, consequences, and practical alternatives. Health (Merck): Merck Foundation held its Africa-Asia Luminary with First Ladies and health stakeholders, highlighting scholarships and capacity building for healthcare workers.

GFF Football Reform: Kemo Ceesay has unveiled “The Coach Manifesto 2026–2030,” promising decentralised football administration, stronger domestic competitions, and more support for women and persons with disabilities as the GFF presidential race heats up. Sports Glory: Gambian karate returned from Senegal’s Open Championship with eight medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 6 bronze), celebrated at Banjul Sea Port. More Sports: Medina United Academy won the GFF league title in their first top-flight season, while Gambia’s volleyball team secured Zone 2 qualification for Congo 2026 after a dramatic five-set win over Senegal. Arts & Community: Local students helped create murals to celebrate culture and push back against graffiti. Youth & Skills: She Trades (under the EU Youth Empowerment Project) ran a workshop to help women and youth-led MSMEs build market skills for tourism, fashion and handicrafts. Health & Media: MFWA opened applications for a training on reporting Africa–China relations for journalists in Anglophone West Africa.

Football Reform: Kemo Ceesay has unveiled a 20-page “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030” for the GFF presidency, promising decentralised administration, better domestic competitions, women’s empowerment, and stronger trust in football governance. Women & Youth Empowerment: Under the EU Youth Empowerment Project, ITC’s She Trades Initiative trained women and youth-led MSMEs to sharpen soft skills, mindset, communication and pitching for tourism, agribusiness, fashion and handicrafts. Sports Triumphs: Medina United won the GFF Division One league title in a first top-flight season, while Gambian karate athletes returned from Senegal with eight medals and the volleyball Scorpions secured Zone 2 qualification for Congo 2026. Media & Skills: MFWA opened applications for a 3-day workshop on reporting Africa–China relations for journalists in Anglophone West Africa. Peace & Governance: The Global Peace Index 2026 again ranks The Gambia among Africa’s most peaceful countries, and UNDP launched a project to strengthen citizen trust and public accountability. Public Safety: Multiple commentaries call for urgent government action on rising killings and youth violence. Health & Leadership: Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary brought together first ladies and health stakeholders, highlighting scholarships and capacity building across Africa and Asia.

Media & Training: MFWA, with Wits Centre for Journalism, opened applications for a 3-day Accra workshop on reporting Africa–China relations, aimed at helping Anglophone West African journalists produce deeper public-interest stories. Sports: The Gambia karate team returned from Senegal’s Open Championship with eight medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 6 bronze). Football: Medina United won the GFF Division One league title in their first top-flight season, while the race for top spots and relegation battles shaped the final day drama. Volleyball: The Scorpions booked the Zone 2 ticket for Congo 2026 by stunning Senegal in a five-set thriller. Women & Creative Economy: Under an EU Youth Empowerment Project, She Trades trained 31 women and youth-led MSMEs in tourism, agribusiness, fashion and handicrafts skills. Health & Leadership: Merck Foundation’s Africa–Asia Luminary brought together First Ladies and health stakeholders, highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers. Governance & Peace: UNDP launched a project to strengthen citizen trust and public accountability for peaceful coexistence. Arts & Community: Local murals and culture-focused initiatives continue to push back against graffiti and celebrate community identity.

Media Training: MFWA and Wits Centre for Journalism opened applications for a three-day workshop on reporting Africa–China relations, due in Accra in Q4 2026, aiming to help journalists produce deeper public-interest stories. Sports Glory: Gambia stunned Senegal to win the Zone 2 title and secure a CAN 2026 ticket, while Medina United lifted the GFF Division One league trophy in a historic first top-flight season. Women & Youth Empowerment: Under the EU Youth Empowerment Project, She Trades graduated 31 women entrepreneurs and trained trainers to strengthen skills for tourism, agribusiness, fashion and handicrafts. Peace & Governance: UNDP launched a project on strengthening citizen trust and public accountability for peaceful coexistence, and the Government welcomed the Global Peace Index ranking Gambia among Africa’s most peaceful countries. Health & Leadership: Merck Foundation held its 13th Africa–Asia Luminary with First Ladies, highlighting 2,600+ healthcare scholarships across 52 countries. Football Governance: Kemo Ceesay unveiled a manifesto for GFF presidency focused on transparency and accountability.

Youth & Migration Dialogue: The National Youth Council (NYC) and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) held an intergenerational discussion in Kanifing on the realities, causes, and consequences of youth irregular migration, with a focus on education, entrepreneurship, and local economic alternatives. FGM Legal Battle: A Supreme Court case in three weeks could decide the fate of The Gambia’s 2015 ban on female genital mutilation, as survivors and activists argue tradition cannot justify harm. Healthcare Capacity Boost: Merck Foundation marked World Health Day by highlighting 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, with First Ladies joining the Africa Asia Luminary 2026 push. Sports & Youth Development: Tibu Africa signed a cooperation deal with The Gambia’s education and youth/sports ministries to support youth empowerment, sports development, and international collaboration. Local Culture in Action: Students helped create murals to celebrate community culture and push back against graffiti. Olympic Day in Farafenni: GNOC will lead International Olympic Day 2026 celebrations under “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” promoting active living and Olympic values. Gambia Football Governance: Kemo Ceesay launched his GFF presidency manifesto calling for transparency, accountability, and capacity building. Fashion Spotlight: Designer Aminata Jarju is set for an international London award, putting Senegambian fashion on a global stage.