AGP Executive Report

Fuel & Cost of Living: President Adama Barrow says fuel pump prices will be reduced nationwide starting July 2026, after inaugurating the Farato National Emergency Treatment Centre and Biomedical Engineering Unit. Prison & Clemency: Barrow pardoned 105 convicted inmates ahead of Yawm al-Ashura, ordering their release from Mile 2 Central Prison and other facilities. Electricity & Accountability: Residents question whether infrastructure investments are improving livelihoods, citing unstable power and high electricity costs that are hurting small businesses. Border Revenue Reforms: The Gambia Revenue Authority says it will use outcomes from the World Customs Organization Council Sessions in Brussels to push customs reforms, compliance, and better border management. Agriculture Supply Delays: Farmers in URR are still waiting for subsidised fertiliser despite government saying stocks are available at depots, with delays linked to approvals before sales begin. Court Watch: The High Court ordered the Accountant General to show cause in contempt proceedings over alleged failure to comply with an earlier court order. Human Rights: A one-month-old infant died after suspected FGM-related complications, with police arresting two women and rights groups renewing calls for stronger child protection. Maritime Safety: The Nigerian Ports Authority launched a regional capacity-building programme on Port State Control under the Abuja MoU, with Gambia’s transport minister credited in the initiative.

Fuel Prices & Health Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow says fuel pump prices will be reduced nationwide starting July 2026, as he inaugurated the Farato National Emergency Treatment Centre and Biomedical Engineering Unit, promising stronger diagnostics and biomedical capacity. Prison & Justice: Barrow has pardoned 105 convicted inmates ahead of Yawm al-Ashura, ordering their release from Mile 2 Central Prison and other facilities. Tax & Border Reform: The Gambia Revenue Authority says it will use outcomes from the World Customs Organization council sessions in Brussels to push customs reforms, compliance and better border management. Court Action: The High Court ordered the Accountant General, Agnes Macaulay, to appear and show cause in contempt proceedings over alleged failure to comply with an earlier court order. Farming & Fertiliser Access: Despite government saying subsidised fertiliser is available at D1,100 per bag, farmers in the Upper River Region are still waiting as distribution at the Basse depot has not started. Power & Livelihoods: Residents question whether infrastructure projects are improving daily life, citing unstable electricity, high costs and ongoing farming challenges. Politics & Coalition Talks: Opposition coalition talks report agreement on flagbearer qualifications and power-sharing frameworks, while the NDP alleges political harassment in the arrest of a leader’s friend. Human Rights: A one-month-old infant died after suspected FGM-related complications, with police arresting two women and rights groups renewing calls to protect children.

FGM Rights Crisis: A one-month-old infant died in Banjul after severe bleeding, with police arresting two women and rights groups linking the case to complications from female genital mutilation as autopsy results are awaited. Human Rights & Justice: The NHRC opened training for prison officers on international human rights and anti-torture safeguards, urging custodial staff to treat inmates as human beings. Local Governance: GALGA launched leadership and council resource-mobilisation strategies with EU-UNDP support to strengthen transparency, accountability and funding for decentralised services. Jobs & Economy: The Trade Minister told lawmakers employment rose by about 163,660 between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, while MPs pressed for more detail on methodology. Fertiliser Support: Farmers in the North Bank welcomed government’s decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, praising improved distribution through NFSC depots and authorised agents. Football: Kanifing East FC secured historic promotion to the First Division, while HARTS FC goalkeeper Alagie Njie was named Player of the Season.

Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow has been unanimously elected Chairman of the Advisory Council of Elders of the African Chief Justices Forum, a continental honour for The Gambia’s judiciary. Prison Rights Training: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) opened a training for prison officers on international human rights standards, anti-torture safeguards and accountability, stressing that detainees retain constitutional protections. Jobs and Labour Data: The Trade Minister told the National Assembly that employment rose from 563,395 (2023) to 727,055 (2026), adding 163,660 jobs, as lawmakers pressed for clearer survey methodology ahead of the full report. Fertiliser Relief for Farmers: North Bank farmers welcomed government’s decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, with a D1.601bn subsidy and distribution through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Local Football: Kanifing East FC secured historic promotion to the First Division after beating Menmar Banjul United 2-1, while HARTS FC goalkeeper Alagie Njie was named Player of the Season.

Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow has been unanimously elected Chairman of the Advisory Council of Elders of the African Chief Justices Forum, a continental honour for The Gambia’s judiciary. Jobs and Labour Survey: The Trade Minister, Mod K. Ceesay, told the National Assembly that employment rose from 563,395 (2023) to 727,055 (2026), an increase of 163,660, with the full 2026 Labour Force Survey report expected by end-June. Fertiliser Relief for Farmers: Farmers in the North Bank welcomed government’s decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for the 2026 season, citing improved access through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Local Governance Capacity: GALGA launched leadership and resource-mobilisation strategies with EU-UNDP GREAT support to strengthen council financing, transparency and participatory decision-making. Football Update: Kanifing East FC secured historic promotion to the GFF First Division after beating Menmar Banjul United 2-1, while HARTS FC goalkeeper Alagie Njie was named Player of the Season. Politics and Coalition Talks: The UDP rejected claims of consensus on a candidate-led opposition coalition model for the 2026 election, saying no agreement was reached.

Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected Chairman of the Advisory Council of Elders of the African Chief Justices Forum, a continental honour for The Gambia’s judiciary. Jobs Debate: The Trade Minister told lawmakers preliminary Labour Force Survey findings show employment rose by 163,660 from 2023 to 2026, but MPs pressed for clearer survey methodology ahead of the full report by end of June. Electricity Pressure: Gambia Local Government Association (GALGA) and councils rolled out governance and resource-mobilisation strategies, while separate coverage highlights mounting public frustration over power and service disruptions. Prison Rights Training: The NHRC opened a human-rights and anti-torture training for prison officers, stressing detainees retain constitutional protections. Fertiliser Relief: Farmers welcomed government’s decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026 and praised improved distribution through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Football Highlights: Kanifing East FC secured historic promotion to the First Division, and HARTS FC goalkeeper Alagie Njie was named Player of the Season. Sports & Politics Elsewhere: EU visa curbs on Somali citizens and a major Afreximbank Southern Africa leadership appointment also featured in the week’s wider coverage.

IMF and jobs spotlight: The IMF warned that war-driven energy shocks are squeezing African economies and raising fertiliser and food costs, while The Gambia’s government defended new Labour Force Survey figures showing employment rose by about 163,660 from 2023 to 2026, with the full report expected by end of June. Fertiliser relief for farmers: Farmers in the North Bank welcomed government’s decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for the 2026 season, backed by a D1.601 billion subsidy and distribution through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Prison rights push: The NHRC opened training for prison officers on international human rights standards, anti-torture safeguards and accountability, stressing that detainees retain constitutional protections. Local governance capacity: GALGA, with EU-UNDP GREAT support, rolled out leadership and council resource-mobilisation strategies aimed at stronger transparency, accountability and better financing for decentralised services. Football updates: Kanifing East FC secured promotion to the Gambia First Division, and HARTS FC goalkeeper Alagie Njie was named Player of the Season. Legal and politics: Defence in Rongo’s D30m civil suit sought an adjournment to certify documents, while UDP rejected claims of consensus on a candidate-led opposition coalition for December 2026.

Digital Finance Push: Wave met Cameroon’s BEAC, telecom and tax regulators to deepen digital payments, security and financial inclusion. Prison Rights Reform: The NHRC trained prison officers on international human rights standards, anti-torture safeguards and accountability, stressing “Never Again” must reflect in custodial institutions. Jobs Debate in Parliament: Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay told lawmakers employment rose by 163,660 from 2023 to 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, as MPs pressed for clearer methodology. Fertiliser Relief for Farmers: North Bank farmers welcomed government’s decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag, with subsidy support and distribution through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Local Governance Capacity: GALGA launched leadership and council resource-mobilisation strategies with EU-UNDP GREAT support to strengthen transparency, accountability and own-revenue for councils. Football Spotlight: Kanifing East FC secured historic promotion to the First Division; HARTS FC goalkeeper Alagie Njie was named Player of the Season. Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected to a continental judicial leadership role, boosting The Gambia’s profile.

State-Owned Enterprises Pay Dividends: Five Gambia SOEs handed over cheques totalling D137 million to President Adama Barrow at State House, a milestone linked to reforms improving performance and reducing the need for bailouts. Public Service Reform: Government moves to adopt parts of Nigeria’s civil service reform model, with a study visit to Nigeria’s Public Service Institute aimed at strengthening capacity and public sector management. Education Financing: The Ministry of Higher Education validated the Student Revolving Loan Scheme (SRLS) strategic plan and loan policy, with D40 million committed and a D56.5m approved budget for phased rollout. Agriculture Support: Fertiliser price for 2026 stays at D1,100 per bag with a D1.601bn subsidy, while authorities say they’re aware of unpaid groundnut farmers and are preparing the case for court. Football: Kemo Ceesay unveiled a GFF presidential reform manifesto as the race intensifies, while Medina United won the league title and Hawks FC survived after Sulayman Sowe’s decisive goal. Sports Return: Gambian karatekas returned from Senegal with eight medals. Governance & Documents: MPs approved a treaty to simplify authentication of public documents abroad via apostille. Infrastructure & Flooding: Minister Sillah says some floodwaters come from blocked waterways and Greater Banjul drainage challenges, with studies underway.

Geopolitics & Markets: UNCTAD warns that Middle East tensions are now driving global trade and finance risks more than trade policy, with oil prices surging and energy costs feeding wider economic pressure. Migration & Borders: The EU tightens migrant readmission and visa rules, while a Gambia-focused report stresses how irregular migration hits households through lost youth and remittances, amid weak border infrastructure and enforcement gaps. Football Governance: Kemo Ceesay launches a “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030” for GFF presidency, promising decentralised administration, stronger domestic competitions, and inclusion for women and persons with disabilities. Agriculture: Government keeps fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, citing a D1.601bn subsidy despite Gulf supply disruptions; meanwhile, dozens of farmers in North Bank say they’re still unpaid for groundnuts delivered in 2025/26. Electricity Crisis: NAWEC seeks emergency power support from Senegal’s Senelec as outages continue to disrupt water operations and strain the grid. Public Finance: Five state-owned enterprises hand over D137m in dividends to President Barrow, marking a milestone in SOE reforms. Sports & Community: Gambian karatekas return with eight medals from Senegal; Medina United win the top-flight league title; Hawks FC survive after Sulayman Sowe’s decisive goal. Justice & Rights: A legal explainer says murder carries life imprisonment under The Gambia’s Criminal Offences Act, with death sentences tied to older law and presidential decisions.

SOE Dividends to State House: Five state-owned enterprises handed President Adama Barrow D137 million in dividends, marking a rare shift from bailouts to returns, with Gambia Ports Authority leading at D70m. Public Service Reform Drive: The Gambia says it is moving to adopt parts of Nigeria’s civil service reform model after a study visit to Abuja’s Public Service Institute of Nigeria. Electricity Crisis Pressure: NAWEC is reportedly seeking government support to buy emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec as outages continue to disrupt water supply and strain the grid. Education Financing: MoHERST validated the Student Revolving Loan Scheme, with D40m committed and a D56.5m approved budget, aiming to expand access and cut delays for 2026/27 admissions. Prison Reform Plan: Government says Mile Two will be replaced by a new Brikama correctional facility with training and better conditions, alongside a new Prison Service Bill. Agriculture Costs: Fertiliser for the 2026 rainy season will stay at D1,100 per bag, backed by subsidies and planned organic fertiliser distribution. Sports & Youth: Gambian karate won eight medals in Senegal; Hawks FC survived after Sulayman Sowe’s decisive goal; and football remains tense as players reportedly link national team participation to Independence Stadium readiness.

Student Finance Push: The Ministry of Higher Education has validated the Student Revolving Loan Scheme (SRLS) strategic plan and loan policy, with D40M committed and an approved 2026 budget of D56.5M, aiming to stop qualified students from missing university over lack of dalasi. Electricity Crisis: NAWEC is reportedly seeking government support to buy emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec to stabilize supply amid worsening outages and load shedding. Public Services Reform: The Gambia says it will adopt parts of Nigeria’s civil service reform model after a study visit to Abuja’s Public Service Institute of Nigeria. Governance & Trade: MPs approved a treaty to simplify document authentication abroad via apostille-style certification, easing costs and delays for citizens and businesses. International Justice: The government launched support for Justice Veronic Wright’s candidacy for the ICC top job, citing her experience and Gambia’s commitment to accountability. Sports: Gambia qualified for the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Nations Championship in Congo after a dramatic five-set win over Senegal. Agriculture: Fertiliser prices for 2026 remain at D1,100 per bag, with government subsidies and organic fertiliser support announced for farmers.

FGM Legal Battle: The Gambia Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could uphold or weaken the 2015 ban on female genital mutilation, with survivors warning the ruling will shape whether girls continue to suffer in silence. Electricity Crisis Fallout: The National Human Rights Commission held a consultative meeting on the power crisis involving groups including GALA and NAWEC, while critics question why the engagement came only on the eve of a planned protest; meanwhile President Barrow told supporters outages will be stable and uninterrupted within 2–3 years, blaming technical issues and accusing the opposition of exaggeration. Football Pressure Over Independence Stadium: Brighton forward Yankuba Minteh says he is spearheading a player boycott, refusing national team call-ups until Independence Stadium is ready for CAF standards, after recent friendlies were disrupted. Women’s Political Participation: FLAG and KAS convened stakeholders to push for stronger women’s representation in politics ahead of December elections. Sports & Community: Barrow inaugurated the O.J. Jallow Memorial Mini Stadium in Serrekunda, while rural communities praised GIRAV road works for improving market access. Governance & Accountability: Parliament’s FPAC flagged D452m loan arrears by state-owned enterprises, including airport and power projects.

Election Politics: President Adama Barrow cranked up campaign momentum in Brikama, endorsing his NPP candidacy ahead of the December 5 polls and unveiling a nine-point plan and digital platforms. Campaign Logistics: Barrow also handed over 16 brand-new pick-ups and 187 motorcycles to NPP regional chairpersons and grassroots mobilisers to boost mobilisation. Gender & Democracy: FLAG and partners pushed for practical steps to improve women’s political participation, arguing representation strengthens governance and accountability. Public Services & Reform: The Gambia says it will draw from Nigeria’s civil service reform experience to improve public service delivery. Energy & Governance: Barrow promised uninterrupted electricity for the next two to three years, while the UDP accused the government of a “nasty” style of politics amid the power-cut debate. Health Policy: The health minister defended increases in service charges, saying healthcare remains heavily subsidised. Justice: A landmark life imprisonment sentence was handed down in a domestic violence case, reinforcing that violence in the home is a serious crime. Sports: Yankuba Minteh announced a national team boycott until the Independence Stadium is completed; Real Betis launched a new academy in Banjul. Regional/Global: The IMF’s Africa chief warned Middle East conflict fallout could keep energy and fertilizer disruptions hitting Africa for months. Agriculture & Trust: GIRAV awarded grants worth over D156M to farmers and agribusiness groups, while UNDP launched a project to strengthen citizen trust and public accountability.

Public Service Reform: The Gambia says it wants to adopt Nigeria’s civil service transformation model after a study visit in Abuja, with officials citing Nigeria as a benchmark for professionalism and reform. Electricity Crisis: GALA and other voices are escalating pressure on NAWEC over recurring power cuts and water shortages, including a 10-day ultimatum and warnings of business losses and wider economic damage. Government Accountability: The Health Ministry says it will introduce a performance management system to document and address underperformance in public service. Election Politics: President Adama Barrow launches the NPP manifesto and nine-point plan, while the UDP’s Suwaneh and Talib Bensouda attack it as costly and misleading; Barrow also dismisses opposition claims over the power outages. Procurement Probe: Parliament urges the IGP to investigate alleged overpricing in the SWEDD Toyota Prado vehicle contract. Education & Jobs: Barrow announces a Graduate Engineering Deployment Programme and pushes USET expansion to produce “right graduates” for national development. Regional Football: GFF reaffirms promotion and relegation rules for the Regional Third Division and National Second Division leagues.

IMF Warning: IMF Africa director Zeine Zeidane says fallout from the Iran war is putting Africa in a “difficult moment,” with Gulf energy production expected to take 6–7 months to fully recover. Electricity Crisis: GALA protesters in The Gambia gave NAWEC a 10-day ultimatum over recurring power cuts and water shortages, blaming governance and weak management despite major investments. Opposition Heat: NPP supporter Baba Jah was flagged for an inflammatory Brikama rally statement about UDP and “foreigners,” while UDP’s Talib Bensouda dismissed the NPP manifesto as “deceit” aimed at distracting from unfilled promises. Power Cuts Politics: President Barrow hit back at Darboe over electricity outages, calling it machine breakdowns and accusing the opposition of electioneering. Public Service Accountability: Government says it will introduce a performance management system to document and address underperformance in public service. Procurement Probe: The National Assembly asked the IGP to investigate alleged overpricing of 14 Toyota Prado vehicles under the SWEDD project, citing D37.39m losses. Education & Skills: Barrow launched a Graduate Engineering Deployment Programme and urged innovation at USET’s convocation, while NAQAA rolled out a national TVET curriculum for financial cooperatives and microfinance. Health Sector: Health Minister Dr. Samateh outlined a “rapid transformation” plan, including new and renovated facilities and expanded oxygen production. Sports: GFF reaffirmed promotion and relegation formats for regional and second division leagues.