AGP Executive Report

Gambia-Energy Crisis: Gambian businesses and households are struggling under prolonged blackouts, with fish traders in Tanji losing ice supplies and customers as power cuts disrupt storage, while anger grows ahead of December elections. Black Stars AFCON Build-Up: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has named a 24-man squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku returning after injury absences; the Black Stars open away to Côte d’Ivoire, host The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium, then play Morocco in Tangier. Local Football Spotlight: Gambia’s Liverpool-born defender Touray has been called up for AFCON qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana, aiming to bring experience to younger players. Sports Abroad, Gambia in Focus: Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil defended Ghana winger Fatawu Issahaku after his red card versus Everton, saying the 22-year-old has been a “great addition” and is expected to link up with Ghana soon. Telecom Investment: Africell secured a $99.6m EXIM loan to expand Angola’s mobile network, with the company also operating in The Gambia.

Gambia Power Crisis: Gambian businesses in Tanji and beyond are struggling as prolonged blackouts keep ice boxes empty, forcing fish sellers to lose customers and leaving hospitals and households scrambling for power. Gambia Football Call-Up: Liverpool-born defender Touray has returned to the Gambia squad for AFCON qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana, saying he wants to join competitive matches, not just friendlies. Regional Democracy Watch: A new Global State of Democracy report says democracy in Africa declined sharply from 2020 to 2025, driven by conflict, coups and restricted elections. Ghana-Black Stars Build-Up (Gambia in focus): Carlos Queiroz named Ghana’s squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers starting with Côte d’Ivoire, then hosting The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium, with Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku back after injury. Sports Infrastructure Debate: Former Ghana international Yaw Preko urged authorities not to demolish Accra Sports Stadium, but to renovate it instead.

Gambia AFCON Qualifiers: The Scorpions have named their squad for the opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana, with Ibou Touray, Saidou Khan, James Gomez and Muhammed Badamosi recalled; Joseph Colley is the only new face, while Yankuba Minteh is ruled out through injury and Musa Barrow is also absent. Gambia Football Updates: The government has restricted non-football uses of the rehabilitated Independence Stadium in Bakau, ahead of the Somalia match on 25 September; meanwhile, winger Abubacarr Ceesay (“Yanos”) has signed a one-year deal with Finnish champions KuPS. Ghana vs Gambia Build-Up: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has unveiled his squad for qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, recalling Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku and handing first senior call-ups to Jan Gyamerah and Ronald Donkor. Power Crisis: Gambian businesses are struggling under prolonged blackouts, with fish sellers and other traders reporting losses as ice and basic services fail. Regional Democracy Watch: A new report says democracy in Africa declined sharply from 2020-2025, driven by conflict, coups and restricted elections.

ECOWAS/UN Troops Allowances: Defence Headquarters in Abuja says Nigerian soldiers in Sudan, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau get operational allowances only after mission funds are received from the UN (Sudan) and ECOWAS (Gambia/Guinea-Bissau), responding to reports of delayed payments. Gambia Power Crisis: AFP reports prolonged blackouts since June are crushing businesses, forcing fish sellers to lose stock, disrupting hospitals with unreliable generators, and triggering anger and protests ahead of December’s presidential election. AFCON Venue Rules: The Gambia government has restricted the use of the rehabilitated Independence Stadium in Bakau, limiting it mainly to football and approved sporting events, ahead of the 25 September 2027 AFCON qualifier vs Somalia. Gambia AFCON Squad: Scorpions coach Jonathan McKinstry names a squad for matches vs Somalia (25 Sept, Bakau) and Ghana (29 Sept, Accra), with winger Yankuba Minteh ruled out by injury and Musa Barrow absent. Football Transfers: Gambian winger Abubacarr Ceesay (“Yanos”) joins Finnish champions KuPS on a one-year deal.

Gambia Football: The Gambia’s head coach Johnathan McKinstry has named his final squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Somalia and Ghana, recalling players including Sulieman Camara, Ibou Touray, Saidou Khan, James Gomez and Muhammed Badamoesi, while Joseph Colley is the only new face; Injury Update: Yankuba Minteh is ruled out with a foot injury, and the squad also includes Slovan Bratislava attacker Alasana Yirajang and Karamba Gassama; Regional Sports Fixture: Ghana will host The Gambia in the 2027 AFCON qualifying window after opening away to Côte d’Ivoire, with Ghana also set to play Morocco in a friendly on 4 October; ECOWAS Justice & Media: The ECOWAS Court’s president urged regional journalists to push Member States to implement court rulings, saying enforcement is still below expectations; Tech for Disaster Response: The UAE Space Agency completed disaster-response training in Ghana, bringing participants from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Benin and The Gambia to use satellite data for early warning and emergency response.

ECOWAS Competition Policy: The inaugural annual conference of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) opened in Banjul, bringing together nearly 300 decision-makers to turn competition policy into a tool for regional integration, with plans for a declaration and reform proposals by Thursday. Regional Diplomacy: President Adama Barrow met ECOWAS Commission chief General Birame Diop, urging stronger diplomacy and communication to protect democracy and stability across West Africa. Football—Gambia Squad: Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry named his final 2027 AFCON qualifier squad for matches against Somalia and Ghana, recalling several experienced players while noting Yankuba Minteh is ruled out with a foot injury. Sports Development: The National Sports Council welcomed the newly elected GFF president Kemo Ceesay, discussing preparations for the Somalia qualifier, stadium readiness and governance. Coaching Boost: In boxing, 33 coaches from six African countries were certified after a Level 1 international course in Freetown, including participants from The Gambia. Agriculture & Tax: Gambia’s Revenue Authority chief Yankuba Darboe called for stronger regional tax cooperation to protect revenue, while a local agroecology push urged investment in community-made organic fertiliser to improve soil health and cut input costs.

Electricity Crisis: In Tanji, fish traders say prolonged blackouts have emptied ice boxes, forcing catches to rot and pushing businesses to close, with protests erupting over rolling power cuts. Football—WAFU-A U-17: Liberia’s Junior Lone Star face The Gambia in a WAFU Zone A semi-final today, with AFCON qualification rules hinging on whether Senegal reach the final. GFF Politics: Newly elected GFF president Kemo Ceesay moves to involve former election rivals in match preparations for the Scorpions’ AFCON qualifiers, but Sadibou Kamaso disputes the federation’s account of why he declined an appointment. Competition & Consumer Protection: The National Assembly advances a new Competition and Consumer Protection Bill to modernise enforcement, tackle unfair business practices, and strengthen consumer rights. Security & Courts: Basse Police report convictions across rape, burglary, stealing and traffic cases, while Brikama court sentences three men to 3 years 6 months for burglary and stealing. Sports—Gambian Talent: Liverpool and Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring Gambian U-17 winger Omar Badjie after standout moments at the WAFU tournament.

GFF Politics & Match Prep: Newly elected Gambia Football Federation president Kemo Ceesay moved to involve former election rivals in AFCON qualifier match operations, appointing Sadibou Kamaso and Col. Musa Jammeh—though Kamaso says he declined a fundraising-linked role due to short notice and missing details, while Jammeh accepted. AFCON Qualifiers Focus: The Scorpions are preparing for a qualifier against Somalia, with Independence Stadium in Bakau receiving preliminary CAF approval for assessment ahead of the fixture. Youth Football Buzz: Gambian U-17 winger Omar Badjie is reportedly drawing interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich after standout moments at the WAFU Zone A tournament, including an assist versus Sierra Leone. Volleyball Result: The Gambia men’s volleyball team lost 3-1 to defending champions Egypt at the CAVB African Nations Championship in Tunis, after taking the first set 28-26. Sports Development: Gambian women’s midfielder Mariama Saruba Jarju completed a one-year loan from City Girls to Liberian side Ravia Angels to gain experience abroad. Consumer & Competition Law: The National Assembly advanced a new Competition and Consumer Protection Bill to modernise rules, strengthen consumer rights, and curb unfair business practices.

Gambia–Ghana Football Build-Up: The National Sports Authority says Accra Sports Stadium is being kept CAF-ready for a packed 2027 AFCON qualifiers schedule, including Ghana hosting The Gambia in Accra and Niger and Somalia also using the venue as their home ground after CAF clearance. Local Court Case: Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) has filed for D857,484.80 compensation in Brikama Magistrates’ Court over alleged damage to a bus shelter in a truck accident, after the driver was fined for careless driving. Political Tensions: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe challenged the government to prove who secured major URR road and bridge projects, while Momodou Sabally accused UNITE of fuelling unrest and warned youth against violent protests. Rights for Artists: The National Assembly ratified the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, a move welcomed as a step toward stronger legal protection and fair compensation for Gambian performers. Youth Football: The Gambia’s U-17 Scorplings held Senegal to a 0-0 draw to reach the WAFU-A semi-finals unbeaten.

AFCON 2027 Venue Update: CAF has cleared Ghana’s Accra Sports Stadium for international matches again, after renovations by the National Sports Authority. Ghana will host The Gambia on 27 September, and the venue could also become a regional hub as Niger and Somalia look to use it for their home qualifiers. Somalia’s Request: Somalia has formally asked Ghana’s National Sports Authority to stage its home games at Accra, with Ivory Coast set to visit on 29 September. Ghana Squad Process: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has submitted his squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the GFA expected to announce the final list after internal approvals. Kudus Fitness Watch: Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi says Mohammed Kudus is improving but still not at full fitness, while also hinting he could be available depending on how he recovers. Gambia Education Finance: The Gambia is launching its first government-backed Students Revolving Loan Scheme, with the first application window opening 15 September and covering tuition at four public universities.

Electricity & Protests: The Gambia has banned unauthorized protests after days of unrest linked to persistent power blackouts, with police warning that demonstrations without permits will face enforcement action. Sports—AFCON 2027: Ghana’s Accra Sports Stadium has been cleared by CAF for international matches, setting up Ghana vs The Gambia on 27 September; Somalia has also asked to use the same venue for its home qualifiers. Gambian Football: Medina United’s CAF Champions League debut ended in heartbreak as they drew 1-1 with Star Sport Academy but went out on the away-goals rule. Youth & Education: The Gambia launches its first government-backed Students Revolving Loan Scheme, with the first application window opening 15 September for eligible students at four public universities. Sports Administration: FIFA has appointed Gambian football administrator Arret Njie Jah as match commissioner for an Olympic qualifier tie involving Nigeria and Comoros. Community Safety: Police and the armed forces carried out joint vehicle patrols in North Bank communities to boost security and deter crime.

Protest Crackdown: The Gambia has banned protests without permits after days of unrest linked to persistent electricity blackouts, with police reportedly using tear gas as anger spreads ahead of December’s election. Child Labour Focus: The Gender, Children and Social Welfare Ministry says it remains committed to tackling child labour, especially children selling in markets and streets, while noting some children help during school holidays. Opposition Warns on Economy: UDP leader Ousainou Darboe says re-electing President Adama Barrow would further damage the economy, citing alleged mismanagement in health and support for farmers. Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe tells Nigerian stakeholders the Gambia wants more Nigerians to visit for business and leisure, urging partnerships to boost travel. Security Patrols: Police and the armed forces conducted joint vehicle patrols across North Bank communities to strengthen safety and deter crime. Regional Sports Link: Gambia’s electricity crisis and election timing continue to dominate local headlines as sports and regional cooperation stories run alongside.

Protest Crackdown in Gambia: Gambia’s Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all unauthorised demonstrations, saying nobody can protest without an approved permit after violent unrest linked to prolonged power cuts. Police used tear gas, a police post was vandalised, detainees were unlawfully released, and NAWEC shut three branches after attacks; authorities arrested 11 people over the vandalism. Electricity Anger Ahead of Elections: The unrest has been fuelled by frustration with President Adama Barrow ahead of the December election, with opposition candidate Talib Ahmed Bensouda saying people were driven to the streets by heat and hardship. AFCON 2027 Venue Checks (Ghana): Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams and NSA DG Yaw Ampofo Ankrah inspected Accra Sports Stadium for CAF readiness ahead of Black Stars qualifiers, including the 29 September match vs The Gambia. Black Stars Squad Process: Ghana’s GFA says Carlos Queiroz has submitted his squad for the Ivory Coast and Gambia qualifiers, with final approval steps underway before invitations go out. Gambia in Regional Sports: A separate report notes Gambia is among countries in the 2028 T20 World Cup Africa sub-regional qualifier lineup.

Power Crisis & Protests: Gambia’s Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all unauthorised public demonstrations after violent unrest linked to rolling blackouts, saying no one may protest without an approved permit and warning violations will be met with “necessary force”; authorities also reported vandalism, tear gas use, and arrests of 11 people, while NAWEC said it shut three branches after attacks. Elections & Candidate Rules: The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) set Nov. 3–14 for presidential nominations and tightened verification, including proof of support from at least 5,000 registered voters (with minimum signatures per administrative area), stronger checks of voter card numbers, and added requirements like telephone numbers, a sworn assets declaration, and tax clearance. Electricity Costs & Industry: MPs urged lower power and utility costs for Salaam Cement, arguing high electricity charges are pushing up cement prices; the company says unreliable and costly power remains a major challenge and relies on generators. Telecom Investment: US Export-Import Bank approved a $99.6m loan to Africell to buy American and allied network equipment to expand in Angola and compete with Huawei, with Africell also operating in Sierra Leone and The Gambia. Local Culture: A kora music event featuring Sean Gaskell is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Middleboro Public Library. Education Snapshot: A global map shows women lead college enrollment in many countries, with The Gambia listed at an 83% women-vs-men tertiary gap. Sports (Gambia-linked): Gambian midfielder Amara Camara completed a permanent move from Real de Banjul to Swedish top-flight Kalmar FF on a five-year deal.

Power Crisis & Protests: Gambia’s police chief Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all unauthorised demonstrations without permits after violent anti-government protests over prolonged blackouts, including tear gas use, vandalism and arrests. Elections Watch: The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has tightened presidential nomination verification ahead of the Dec. 5 vote, setting Nov. 3–14 for nominations and requiring candidates to secure support from at least 5,000 registered voters, with stronger checks on signatures and voter card details. Electricity Costs & Industry: MPs have urged lower power and utility costs for Salaam Cement, saying unreliable and expensive electricity is pushing up cement prices. Cross-Border Security: NACOC’s director-general called for practical cross-border action against synthetic drugs and cocaine trafficking, stressing intelligence sharing and joint operations. Tech & Telecom: The U.S. announced a $99.6m loan to Africell to expand American telecom technology in Africa, including operations in Gambia. Sports (Gambia-linked): Amara Camara has completed a permanent move from Real de Banjul to Swedish top-flight Kalmar FF on a five-year deal.

Power Crisis Crackdown: Gambia’s police chief Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all unauthorised protests without permits after days of violent demonstrations over prolonged blackouts, warning anyone who converges or causes havoc “will be met with necessary force.” Authorities say tear gas was used, a police post was vandalised, detainees were unlawfully released, and 11 people were arrested over damage to public infrastructure including NAWEC branches. Election Rules Tightened: The IEC has set Nov. 3–14 for presidential nominations ahead of Dec. 5, requiring candidates to secure support from at least 5,000 registered voters (including 200 signatures per administrative area) and to submit assets and tax documents, with verification strengthened to disqualify breaches. Telecoms and Tech Race: The U.S. announced a $99.6m EXIM loan to Africell to expand American telecom technology in Angola and beyond, with Africell operating in Congo, Sierra Leone and Gambia. Sports (Gambia-linked): Gambian midfielder Amara Camara has completed a permanent move to Sweden’s Kalmar FF on a five-year deal.