The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs on Wednesday inaugurated newlyappointed members of the Tax Tribunal. The ceremony was presided over by the minister of finance and Economic Affairs Hon. Seedy Keita at the MOFEA conference hall.
The newly appointed and sworn members of the tax tribunal include the following Hon. Justice George Appah Kwanbengwho is the president of the tax tribunal, Mr. Shriff Kumba Jobemember, Mr. Bakary Sanyang, Mr. Lamin S. Jatta, and MamourJoof respectively.
In his welcoming speech, Commissioner General GRA YankubaDarboe expressed delight to be part of this auspicious inaugurating the newly appointed members of the Tax Tribunal.
He said this is indeed a momentous day as we mark a significantmilestone in the evolution of our taxation system and our pursuit of fairness justice and transparency in our tax administration system.
CG said on behalf of the GRA board and management extendedhis heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed members of the Tax Tribunal and commended them for accepting to serve in this distinguished capacity. He said the selection to serve the Tax tribunal is a testament to your knowledge, expertise, integrity,and commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness in our administration system.
I have full confidence that each of you will bring your individual experiences to bear on the tribunal, and I have no doubt that you will discharge your duties with diligence and utmost impartiality.
According to CG Darboe the tax tribunal is established under section 256 of the Income and Value Added Tax Act to hear applications for review of reviewable made by the commissionerGeneral or officers acting under his Authority. He cited that established of a tax Tribunal under our laws is aimed at providing as avenue for taxpayers to not only challenge the tax Assessments of GRA but also to offer taxpayers an independentavenue to seek redress on taxation decision made by GRA.
He also stated that the appointment of members of the tax tribunal is a crucial component of the government commitment to building a fair ,transprence and a just taxation system thatensures that taxpayers pay share of the tax burden but at the thesame time are not made to pay more than their fair share of the tax burden. I wish to commend the minister of finance and Economic Affairs for his continuous support over the years andfor his commitment towards the proper functioning of the tax tribunal.
He further stated that GRA is fully committed to support the Tax tribunal in every possible way.
In presided over the sworn ceremony Hon. Seedy Keita the establishment of the tax Tribunal represents a significant milestone in our on -going efforts to provide an effective and accessible avenue for addressing taxpayers grievances. We recognized the importance of a dispute resolution mechanism that not only upholds the principles of justice but also instills confidence in our citizens that their concerns are heard and addressed impartially by an independent body.
