AGP Executive Report

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.

Healthcare & Capacity Building: Merck Foundation marked World Health Day 2026 by highlighting its 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across 52 countries and 44 specialties, with alumni becoming first specialists in their fields. Women’s Representation & Democracy: A call for gender-balanced leadership argues women are 51% of The Gambia’s population but remain underrepresented in decision-making, urging electoral reform ahead of December’s cycle. Politics & Campaign Logistics: President Adama Barrow backed at a massive NPP Brikama rally ahead of December 5 polls, and handed over 16 pick-ups and 187 motorbikes to grassroots mobilisers to boost campaign reach. Peacebuilding & Trust: UNDP launched a project to strengthen citizen trust and public accountability for peaceful coexistence, aiming to improve engagement between citizens and the state. Football Governance: Kemo Ceesay unveiled his GFF presidency programme focused on transparency, accountability, capacity building and inclusive development. Youth, Sport & Culture: GNOC will lead International Olympic Day 2026 in Farafenni under “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” while schools continue cultural performances like Mufti Day celebrations.

World Cup Spotlight: Norway and Senegal both named their starting XIs for their Group I clash, with Erling Haaland leading Norway’s attack as Senegal looks to bounce back. Football & Identity: A profile on Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson traces his roots to a Gambian father and Senegalese mother, highlighting family support behind his rise. Gambia Sports Development: The Gambia Football Federation race heats up as Kemo Ceesay unveils a manifesto focused on transparency, accountability, capacity building and inclusive governance. Youth, Safety & Community: A call for urgent action on rising youth violence urges stronger community policing and faster emergency response. Arts & Culture: Gambian fashion designer Aminata Jarju is set for an international London award at the Voice Achievers Awards on Aug 21, 2026. Visual Arts: Gambian artist Anna Isatou Bah begins a landmark residency in late October, with plans to return and expand workshops in Sanyang and with NCAC in Fajara. Sports & Education Partnership: Tibu Africa signs a cooperation deal with The Gambia’s education and youth/sports ministries to boost youth empowerment, sports development and international collaboration. Olympic Day in Farafenni: GNOC will lead International Olympic Day 2026 celebrations in Farafenni under the theme “You Can Do This! Let’s Move.” Merck Foundation Health Push: Merck Foundation’s Africa Asia Luminary 2026 spotlights scholarship support for healthcare specialists, including First Ladies from The Gambia and other countries.

Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026: Merck Foundation’s 13th edition opened online on 18–19 June with First Ladies from 12 African and Asian countries, including The Gambia’s Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, spotlighting healthcare capacity-building and its “More Than a Mother” campaign. Gambia Youth & Sport: The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) will mark International Olympic Day 2026 in Farafenni on Saturday under “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” urging communities to get active and support athletes. Local Sports Development: GNOC also announced Zone II Men Indoor Volleyball Qualifiers for the CAVB Men’s African Volleyball Championship, running 18–20 June, with Team Gambia aiming to qualify with home support. Public Health Update: The Ministry of Health says no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases have been detected, with intensified surveillance and reactivated Rapid Response Teams. Arts & Culture: Gambian fashion designer Aminata Jarju is set to receive the African Fashion Designer Award in London on 21 August 2026, celebrating Senegambian textiles and modern silhouettes. Visual Arts Spotlight: Artist Anna Isatou Bah begins a landmark residency on 27 October, with training in Barcelona and Tenerife, then returns to expand workshops in Sanyang and collaborate with NCAC in Fajara.

Gambian Arts & Culture: Love to Sing Choir is hosting a free charity concert in Casares Costa (June 26) to fund a children’s school in The Gambia, with 30% of café sales feeding into the project. Visual Arts: Gambian artist Anna Isatou Bah begins a landmark international residency on Oct 27, returning in November to expand her Sanyang workshops and collaborate with NCAC in Fajara. Fashion Spotlight: London honours Gambian designer Aminata Jarju with the African Fashion Designer Award (Voice Achievers Awards, Aug 21), celebrating her Senegambian textile-driven modern silhouettes. Sports & Community: GNOC will mark International Olympic Day 2026 in Farafenni on Saturday under “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” while The Gambia prepares to host Zone II Men Indoor Volleyball Qualifiers (June 18–20). Health & Education (Gambia-linked): Merck Foundation says it has provided 2,600+ healthcare scholarships across 52 countries, with First Ladies including The Gambia’s Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow involved in the Africa Asia Luminary 2026.

Gambian Fashion on Global Runway: London is set to honour Gambian designer Aminata Jarju with the African Fashion Designer Award at the Voice Achievers Awards on Aug. 21, 2026, spotlighting her Senegambian-Malian textile fusion and international impact. Sports & Youth Development: The Gambia signed a sports and education cooperation deal with Morocco’s Tibu Africa, aiming to boost youth empowerment, education transformation, and sports development through international collaboration. Olympic Day in Farafenni: The GNOC will host International Olympic Day 2026 in Farafenni on Saturday under “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” encouraging movement, healthy living, and Olympic values. Visual Arts Spotlight: Gambian artist Anna Isatou Bah begins a landmark residency Oct. 27 in Spain, then continues in Tenerife, before returning to expand workshops in Sanyang and collaborate with NCAC in Fajara. Public Health Update: The Ministry of Health says no Ebola cases have been detected, with strengthened surveillance and screening at points of entry. Local News, Ongoing Probes: Police are investigating two separate deaths in Nema—one involving a truck driver (Kebba Sarr) and another man found in an apartment—after social media speculation.

Gambian Fashion Spotlight: Aminata Jarju, founder of Amina’s Fashion Sengambia, is set to receive the African Fashion Designer Award in London at the Voice Achievers Awards on Aug 21, 2026—celebrating her fusion of Senegambian and Malian textiles with modern silhouettes. Youth & Sport Development: The Gambia signed a sports and education cooperation deal with Morocco-based Tibu Africa, aimed at youth empowerment, education transformation, and building sports into national development. Olympic Day in Farafenni: The GNOC will lead International Olympic Day 2026 in Farafenni on Saturday under “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” promoting active living, inclusion, and community unity. School Culture Performances: Longman Memorial Methodist School marked Mufti Day with cultural and stage performances, featuring traditions from different ethnic groups and a Jola music-and-dance finale. Health Update: The Ministry of Health says no Ebola cases have been detected, while surveillance and rapid response teams remain on alert. Visual Arts Abroad: Gambian artist Anna Isatou Bah begins a landmark Spanish residency on Oct 27, then returns to expand her Sanyang workshops and collaborate with NCAC in Fajara. Athletics Inspiration: Former athlete Lamin EN Drammeh praised Sanu Jallow’s NCAA record-breaking 800m run, calling it a historic milestone for Gambian sport.

Fashion & Culture: Gambian designer Aminata Jarju is set to receive the African Fashion Designer Award in London at the Voice Achievers Awards on Aug. 21, spotlighting her Senegambian-Malian textile fusion and global runway impact. Sports & Youth: The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) will lead International Olympic Day 2026 in Farafenni on Saturday under “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” with community activities to promote healthy living and inclusion. Local Arts in Schools: Longman Memorial Methodist School marks “Mufti Day” with cultural performances and music/dance from different ethnic traditions, aiming to build confidence and unity. Health Watch: The Ministry of Health says no Ebola cases have been detected, while surveillance and Rapid Response Teams remain active nationwide. Visual Arts: Gambian artist Anna Isatou Bah begins a landmark Spanish residency on Oct. 27, then continues in Tenerife, returning in November to expand workshops in Sanyang and collaborate with NCAC. Business/Partnerships: The Vice President presided over a sports and education cooperation deal with Morocco-based Tibu Africa, targeting youth empowerment, education transformation, and sports development.

Fashion & Culture: London is set to honour Gambian designer Aminata Jarju with the African Fashion Designer Award at the Voice Achievers Awards on Aug 21, spotlighting her Senegambian-Malian textile fusion and global push for West African craftsmanship. Sports Development: The Gambia signed a sports and education cooperation deal with Morocco-based Tibu Africa, aimed at youth empowerment, education transformation, and building sports into national development policy. Olympic Day in Farafenni: The GNOC will lead International Olympic Day 2026 in Farafenni on Saturday under “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” with community events encouraging active, healthy living. Visual Arts: Gambian artist Anna Isatou Bah begins a landmark Spain residency on Oct 27, then heads to Tenerife, with plans to bring new techniques back to Sanyang and expand teaching with NCAC. Public Health Watch: The Ministry of Health says no Ebola cases have been detected, while surveillance and airport screening remain active. Local Arts in Schools: Longman Memorial Methodist School marked Mufti Day with cultural performances celebrating The Gambia’s multi-ethnic heritage.

Gambian Visual Arts: Artist Anna Isatou Bah is set to begin a landmark Spanish residency on 27 October, starting with a flight from Banjul to Barcelona, then moving to Tenerife—while promising to bring new skills back to Sanyang and expand teaching with NCAC in Fajara. Cultural Education: Longman Memorial Methodist School marked “Mufti Day” with cultural performances celebrating The Gambia’s multi-ethnic heritage, unity, and student confidence. Sports (Volleyball): GNOC says The Gambia will host Zone II Men Indoor Volleyball Qualifiers (18–20 June), urging fans to back Team Gambia as the tournament feeds into the African Championship. Sports (Olympic Day): GNOC also plans an Olympic Day push themed “You Can Do This! Let’s Move,” encouraging everyone to stay active. Health Update: The Ministry of Health confirms no Ebola cases in The Gambia, with strengthened screening at entry points and reactivated rapid response teams. Arts & International Links: Morocco and The Gambia reaffirm their strategic alliance in Rabat, with President Barrow’s message delivered and Morocco’s support highlighted. Community & Safety: Police continue investigations into deaths reported in Nema apartments, urging the public to avoid unverified social media claims.