AGP Executive Report

Euromoney Awards: Access Bank Plc says it won 16 honours at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, including “Best Bank” recognition in The Gambia, as it highlights gains in digital banking, SME support, customer experience and sustainable finance. Courts & Justice: In Banjul, the High Court allowed prosecutors to amend the murder-related case of former Jungler member Sanna Manjang, removing murder allegations and narrowing the matter to two assault charges tied to witnesses. Government & Security: The Gambia government condemned the demolition of part of the border fence at Bulock Military Camp by Senegalese forces, calling it provocative but saying the situation remains calm and dialogue is underway. Agriculture & Food Security: The Justice for All Union bought two borehole drilling machines to push year-round farming, while another report says groundnut farmers are still waiting for payments and the government plans direct compensation after verification. Human Rights: The NHRC urged police to investigate unlawful killings and raised concerns about excessive force, including tear gas use. Sports & Football: Berewuleng FC will represent The Gambia at CAF/WAFU Zone A Women’s Champions League qualifiers, and the GFF inaugurated an interim board for the Gambia Premier League. Economy & Finance: Wave Gambia reports progress in financial inclusion, and the Petroleum Commission says it earned over US$1m from upstream activities in 2025.

Youth & Agrifood: Hon. Sulayman Jammeh told a youth agrifood systems retreat that young people must lead as innovators, entrepreneurs and investors, with MPs pushing enabling laws, budgets and accountability. Diplomacy & Security: The Gambia government condemned the demolition of a border fence at Bulock Military Camp by Senegalese forces, calling it provocative but insisting security remains calm and dialogue is underway. Justice & Maritime Law: The NSC and NJI will host an 18th International Maritime Seminar for judges in Abuja (22–24 July), with chief justices and judges from across the region. Football Governance: The Gambia Football Federation inaugurated an interim board for the Gambia Premier League, aiming to professionalise the top flight and improve club management. Human Rights: The NHRC urged police to investigate unlawful killings and spoke again on the death penalty as injustice amid rising violent crime. Courts: The High Court heard eyewitness testimony in the Yunusa Mbaye murder trial. Health & Policy: Talks at the UN in Geneva began on a treaty to protect older persons from ageism, with Gambia among key backers. Digital Finance: Wave Gambia highlighted how mobile money is driving historic gains in financial inclusion. Sports (Regional): Ghana’s President Mahama praised Black Stars’ World Cup performance and urged immediate planning for 2030.

ECOWAS Mobility Boost: Liberia launched free roaming with Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia under the ECOWAS Free Roaming Initiative, letting users keep their Liberian numbers and receive calls without roaming charges. Diplomatic Reset: Nigeria and The Gambia agreed to revive the Nigeria-Gambia Joint Commission to deepen cooperation in key sectors after talks at the ECOWAS mid-year summit in Freetown. TRRC Accountability: The NHRC says only 48 of 263 TRRC recommendations accepted by government are fully implemented, with progress still “incremental” and most commitments incomplete. Public Finance Scrutiny: Parliament’s PEC flagged unpaid Social Security debts—government owes SSHFC D816.7m on NAWEC—plus payment shortfalls at Gambia Civil Aviation Authority and demanded documentary proof for a US$146,000 Hajj imprest. Justice & Rights: NHRC monitoring reports Mile II Central Prison holding 784 inmates, with 34.3% on remand, while detention conditions and slow TRRC follow-through remain concerns. Energy & Safety: NAWEC blamed outages on overloaded feeders and faulty transformers, and a Bakoteh garage fire destroyed 14 vehicles. Sports & Development: GFF launched its maiden CAF A-Diploma coaching course; Gambian players also saw overseas moves and Team Gambia’s Glasgow 2026 preparations announced.

Social Security Debt Watch: The National Assembly’s Public Enterprises Committee says the government owes SSHFC D816,706,067 on behalf of NAWEC for 2022, with repayment plans not fully met. Aviation Payments: PEC also flags Gambia Civil Aviation Authority shortfalls, citing a D92.6m SSHFC debt and a D2.5m discrepancy in monthly payments. Hajj Fund Scrutiny: PEC demands documentary evidence for GIA’s 2022 Hajj imprest of about US$146,000 after auditors found weaknesses in requesting, approving and retiring the funds. Prison Conditions: NHRC reports Mile II Central Prison holds 784 inmates—65.7% convicted and 34.3% on remand—highlighting ongoing criminal justice pressures. Social Protection Push: Government launches the National Social Protection Policy 2026–2035, with D18.6bn allocated to social sectors in 2026. Power Outage Explanation: Nawec attributes recurring outages in Greater Banjul and Brikama to overloaded feeders, faulty transformers and reduced imports from Senegal. Tourism Land Warning: Minister Jobe warns against illegal land deals in the Tourism Development Area, stressing government ownership and GTBoard’s role. Sports Development: GFF launches its CAF A-Diploma coaching course (July 2026–Jan 2027) to boost local technical capacity. Football Transfers & Camps: Colley joins Konyaspor on loan; Musa Ceesay set for AFC Leopards; Team Gambia’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games preparations get a public launch.

Black Stars Coaching Debate: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says he would have sacked Otto Addo earlier if the decision were his alone, but also argues Carlos Queiroz deserves more time after leading Ghana to the World Cup knockout stage. Human Rights & Detention: The NHRC warns Gambia’s detention centres are overcrowded and unsanitary, urging faster implementation of TRRC recommendations and even a constitutional amendment to abolish the death penalty. Justice System Scrutiny: A Supreme Court ruling dismisses a constitutional challenge over the Commission of Inquiry (Amendment) Act, while separate court proceedings highlight concerns about delays and “diligent prosecution.” Local Governance & Courts: Paramount Chief Yahya Jarjusey meets the Chief Justice to discuss district tribunal reforms, including staffing, fines, and infrastructure. Security Incident: Gambia Police arrest a 35-year-old Nigerian, Audu Williams, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Esther Tango, whose body was found near Kitty and Siffoe. Regional Cooperation: President Barrow meets OIC officials in Jeddah to discuss OIC support, including the Rohingya case at the ICJ. Tourism Skills Boost: EU-YEP training ends at ITTOG, helping Gambian tourism businesses improve products, marketing, and service quality.

Human Rights Watch: NHRC chair Emmanuel Daniel Joof warns detention centres are “overcrowded & unsanitary,” citing poor sanitation, prolonged pre-trial detention, weak healthcare and delays in justice that erode public confidence, while also flagging violence against women and girls and ongoing harmful practices. Justice System: A Supreme Court debate continues after the Modou Ceesay ruling, with commentary urging Gambians to read constitutional judgments carefully rather than jump to conclusions. OIC Diplomacy: President Adama Barrow meets OIC Assistant Secretary General Tarig Ali Bakhit Saleh in Jeddah to discuss support for the Rohingya case at the ICJ and how member states can strengthen pledges. Tourism & Skills: EU/ITC-YEP training ends at ITTOG, Kololi, with 50 Gambians trained to improve lodge/restaurant offerings, package excursions and protect quality as tourism product development ramps up. Digital Economy: GAMTEL and YCELL sign a GMD6.1bn network modernisation deal, with YCELL taking 80% of GAMCEL and pushing 4G/LTE and 5G upgrades. Community Development: VP Jallow inaugurates a new Dara at Banjul Half Die, backed by Alport Banjul, to expand Islamic education and address access concerns. Regional Fisheries: Gambia and Senegal fisheries stakeholders call for stronger cross-border cooperation to protect shared fish stocks and tackle illegal fishing.

Telecom Deal: YCELL and GAMTEL have signed a GMD6.1 billion network modernisation agreement, with YCELL taking an 80% stake in GAMCEL and pledging upgrades including 4G/LTE and 5G rollout, new core systems, fraud controls, and hybrid power for tower sites. Oil Sector Cooperation: The Gambia and Ghana petroleum regulators signed an MoU to boost regulatory capacity and technical knowledge sharing as The Gambia moves toward the next phase of petroleum development. Justice System Update: The Court of Appeal adjourned the police shooting appeal of siblings Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang after counsel withdrew, leaving Amie without representation. Housing & Land: SSHFC announced plot sales for the Madinaba Housing Estate, a planned community of about 1,000 plots across 54 hectares with roads, water, electricity, schools and market facilities. Security Sector Reform: A 15-day Greater Banjul sensitisation campaign on security sector reform launched to rebuild public trust and improve awareness of complaint and reporting mechanisms. Migration Pressure: ECOWAS Parliament urged West African governments to create decent jobs for youth, warning unemployment and low opportunities are driving irregular migration and trafficking. Sports: Gambia’s karate team won eight medals at the 2026 Karate Open Tournament, including a gold and a silver.

Petroleum Regulation Boost: The Gambia and Ghana signed a petroleum cooperation MoU to strengthen regulator capacity and share technical knowledge as The Gambia moves into the next phase of exploration and development. Economic Reform Push: Finance Minister Seedy K.M. Keita told IMF/WBG governors in Banjul that Africa’s transformation needs bolder reforms, stronger institutions, and deeper partnerships to unlock growth. Court Update: The Court of Appeal adjourned the appeal in the high-profile police shooting case of siblings Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang after counsel withdrew, leaving Amie without representation until she secures a new lawyer. Security Sector Reform: A 15-day Greater Banjul sensitisation campaign on security sector reform launched to rebuild public trust, improve complaint/reporting understanding, and strengthen oversight-community links. Housing Delivery: SSHFC begins plot sales for the Mandinaba Housing Estate, a planned 54-hectare development targeting about 1,000 residential plots with roads, utilities, schools and other amenities. Public Safety Concern: A growing stabbing crisis is being flagged as a wider public safety emergency, tied to social and economic pressures and weak prevention. Telecom Investment: Gamtel and YCell signed an 80% equity and network modernisation deal to upgrade infrastructure and overhaul operations. Sports & Youth: The Gambia karate team won eight medals in nine events in Senegal, while ECOWAS Parliament urged job creation to curb irregular migration.

Black Stars Coaching Shake-up: Ghana’s assistant coach Roger De Sa says his contract was only for the 2026 World Cup, ending 31 July, as debate continues over Carlos Queiroz’s next steps. AFCON Focus: Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi is confident Ghana can qualify for AFCON 2027 and make a statement, with the Black Stars drawn alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia. Migration Pressure on Gambia: ECOWAS Parliament hears that 131 Gambians died on irregular routes in 2026 (117 at sea), while the US DHS lists 14 Gambians among 374 West Africans targeted for deportation. UK Visa Tightening: The UK updates rules requiring entry clearance for Gambia and many other African countries before travel or transit. Gambia Digital Governance: The Gambia Information Commission signs landmark agreements with Morocco and Nigeria to strengthen access to information and data protection cooperation. Health Support: ECOWAS delivers $3.4m health aid to Gambia, including 10 ambulances and medical equipment. Local Justice: Foni Berefet District Tribunal hears a land dispute between Somita and Kanaw families. Sports: Kunkujang Friends win the 2026 GFF Beach Soccer League title.

Commonwealth Games Prep: The Gambia National Olympic Committee briefed Team Gambia athletes and officials ahead of Glasgow 2026, stressing accreditation, schedules, conduct, and teamwork. Tourism & Youth Engagement: The Tourism Ministry hosted UTG student leaders, while the NCCE rolled out nationwide influencer and civic engagement training for the 2026 election cycle, aiming to curb misinformation and hate speech. Petroleum Governance: The Petroleum Commissions of The Gambia and Ghana signed an MoU to strengthen upstream regulation, local content, data management, compliance, and capacity building. Legal & Governance: The Supreme Court’s handling of the Auditor General Modou Ceesay case continues to spark political debate, with opposition parties urging reinstatement and the government facing renewed constitutional scrutiny. Human Rights Debate (FGM): A fresh argument in The Gambia’s FGM debate challenges “choice” framing, saying children cannot give meaningful consent. Football (Ghana): Reports say Carlos Queiroz is likely to extend as Black Stars coach, while goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi insists Ghana can qualify for AFCON 2027. UK Visa Rules: The UK updated visa requirements affecting Gambia and other African countries, requiring entry clearance for short visits and some transits.

Health Access: WACP Liberia Chapter launched a community medical outreach in New Kru Town, offering free specialist consultations, screenings and referrals, with a strong push on prevention and early detection. Social Protection: NSITF pledged continued technical support and a deeper partnership with The Gambia’s Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund under SSHFC, following a one-week study tour in Abuja to strengthen workers’ welfare across West Africa. Migration & Jobs: ECOWAS Parliament urged West African governments to create decent, sustainable jobs for young people, warning that unemployment and weak economic opportunities are key drivers of irregular migration; it also called for stronger anti-trafficking laws and better support for returnees and survivors after a week-long engagement in The Gambia. Climate Impact on Farming: A report highlights salt water intrusion in Bantang Killing, where farmers say rising salinity and reduced rainfall are forcing them to abandon fields. TVET Skills Push: The Gambia unveiled a US$13m plan to build two TVET centres of excellence for agribusiness and fisheries/aquaculture, aiming to produce skilled manpower for growing sectors. Justice System: The Gambia Bar Association raised constitutional concerns over the proposed appointment of Edi M.O. Faal as Chief Justice, saying qualifications under Section 139(2) were not met. Energy Investment: Dangote’s proposed projects for The Gambia include a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel storage terminal, discussed during African Caucus 2026 talks.

TVET Upgrade: The Gambia has unveiled a US$13m plan to strengthen technical and vocational education, with two Centres of Excellence set to train skilled workers for agribusiness and fisheries. Climate & Food Security: A new report warns salt water intrusion is pushing inland and ruining farmland, forcing communities like Bantang Killing to abandon once-productive fields. Social Protection Partnership: Nigeria’s NSITF says it will keep providing technical support to The Gambia’s social security institutions after a study tour, aiming to improve workers’ welfare across West Africa. Judicial Appointments: The Gambia Bar Association has raised constitutional concerns over the proposed Chief Justice appointment of Edi M.O. Faal, saying qualifications under the Constitution were not met. Legal Aftermath: Government issued a statement saying it will study and respond to the Supreme Court judgment in Modou Ceesay v. Attorney General. Migration & Borders: ECOWAS Parliament urged tougher anti-trafficking laws, more youth jobs, and better support for returnees to curb irregular migration, with engagement held in Banjul. Environment & Land Use: Residents and advocates in Ebo Town say illegal backfilling and construction are threatening the Tanbi Wetland’s buffer zones. Peacebuilding: The Gambia Police Force launched a joint community peace initiative with Senegal to address border tensions. Fertiliser Pricing: The NFSC defended fertiliser pricing after complaints of overcharging, saying the system is meant to improve farmers’ access to inputs.

UK Visa Rules: The UK has reaffirmed that Nigerians and nationals of more than 100 countries must get visas before travel for visits or stays under six months, with the update also extending requirements to stateless travellers and those using non-national passports. ECOWAS Migration Push: ECOWAS Parliament urged member states to create more youth jobs, toughen anti-trafficking laws, and better support returnees after a Banjul engagement on irregular migration and modern slavery. Gambia Courts & Governance: The Gambia Bar Association says Edi M.O. Faal is not constitutionally qualified for Chief Justice under Section 139(2), while the government reiterates respect for the Supreme Court’s Modou Ceesay judgment and says it will study and act on the ruling. Environment: In Ebo Town, Tanbi Wetland is under threat from illegal backfilling and construction, with residents reporting new houses and dumping inside wetland buffer areas. Energy Deal: Dangote’s proposed $2billion push for a 250MW solar plant and a fuel storage terminal aims to strengthen The Gambia’s electricity supply and petroleum reserves. Sports: TMT FC’s Kaddy Jallow and Fatou Fatty have secured international club moves to Bhutan’s Paro FC, and Sibanor United play TMT in the Division One semi-final.

Constitutional Justice Clash: The Gambia Bar Association has challenged the proposed appointment of Edi M.O. Faal as Chief Justice, saying he does not meet Section 139(2) constitutional qualifications, while stressing it is a constitutional issue—not a comment on his character. Supreme Court Fallout: Government says it has received and will study the Supreme Court judgment in Modou Ceesay v. Attorney General, reaffirming rule of law and separation of powers. Judicial Rights Spotlight (FGM): Supreme Court FGM proceedings continue with expert testimony heard before adjournment to July 14. Local Governance & Environment: Ebo Town’s wetland faces pressure from illegal backfilling and construction, threatening Tanbi Wetland’s buffer and biodiversity. Health & Inclusion: FaBB Foundation commissioned The Gambia’s first Accident & Emergency unit at Bansang General Hospital; SOS Children’s Villages and partners pushed for greater inclusion of children with disabilities. Energy & Telecom Deals: Dangote-backed plans include a 250MW solar plant and fuel storage terminal; GAMTEL and YCELL signed a major network modernisation agreement. Sports & Football Admin: GFF elective congress roadmap sets nominations for July 22–29 and election on Aug 29; Sibanor Utd play TMT in Division One semi-finals.

Energy & Investment: President Adama Barrow says Dangote has pledged $2bn for a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel storage terminal, aiming to cut The Gambia’s heavy reliance on imported electricity and boost energy security. Telecom Modernisation: GAMTEL and YCELL sign a major share investment and network upgrade deal, including 4G/5G rollout and core system upgrades to improve connectivity nationwide. Courts & Rights: The Government reiterates respect for the Supreme Court’s Modou Ceesay ruling, while the Gambia Bar Association challenges the constitutional qualification of newly appointed Chief Justice Edi M.O. Faal, and the FGM case continues with proceedings adjourned to July 14. Environment: Ebo Town’s wetland faces pressure from illegal backfilling and construction despite Tanbi Wetland’s protected Ramsar status. Health: ECOWAS/WAHO hands over ambulances and medical equipment worth about $3.4m to strengthen emergency care. Justice & Safety: A Brikama court sentences a female student to three years for stabbing a teacher. Sports: GFF Division One semi-final set as Sibanor Utd take on TMT FC; TMT’s Kaddy Jallow and Fatou Fatty land a historic move to Bhutan’s Paro FC.

Journalism & Democracy: Media leaders in Accra urged West Africa to rebuild journalism around data skills and regional cooperation, warning that old models can’t defend democracy in the age of AI and platform-driven misinformation. US Travel Rules: The US says 11 West African countries face entry bans or partial visa restrictions in 2026, with The Gambia listed among those under partial restrictions. FGM Court Case: The Supreme Court’s FGM proceedings continue as expert testimony is heard, with the case framed as a major women’s rights and public health turning point. Chief Justice Eligibility Row: The Gambia Bar Association says Edi M.O. Faal is not constitutionally qualified for Chief Justice, escalating debate over the reported appointment. Telecom Deal: GAMTEL and YCELL signed a landmark agreement to invest GMD 6.1 billion to modernise networks and expand 4G/5G services. Healthcare Push: ECOWAS/WAHO and AfDB handed over 10 ambulances and medical equipment to strengthen emergency care, while FaBB Foundation commissioned the first Accident & Emergency Unit at Bansang General Hospital. Energy Investment: Dangote pledged US$2 billion for Gambia’s energy transition, including a 250MW solar plant and a petroleum storage terminal. Sports: Sibanor United take on TMT FC in the Division One semi-final, and TMT’s Kaddy Jallow and Fatou Fatty secured a historic move to Bhutan’s Paro FC.