By: Momodou Justice Darboe
The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority(GRA), Mr. Yankuba Darboe, has acknowledged that the investment of the Gambia’s business community serves as a fertile ground for job creation, a catalyst for economic growth,and a bedrock for domestic revenue mobilization.
“Tonight, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire business community in The Gambia. Your investments create jobs and drive economic growth,” CG Darboe highlighted at the 6 Edition of the Annual Taxpayers’ Award Ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on Saturday. The GRA boss further acknowledged that the business community is the bedrock upon which the GRA’s revenue collection thrives.
On the significance of the awards ceremony, Mr. Darboe said: “It is with great honor and immense pleasure that I welcome you all to the 6th Edition of the Annual Taxpayers’ Award Ceremony.This ceremony gathers us every year to celebrate and recognize taxpayers, who consistently file their tax returns on time, consistently pay their taxes on time, present authentic and original customs documents, and comply with the relevant provisions of the revenue laws. Tonight, we are especially honored to be joined by our esteemed Chief Guest of Honor, His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow. Your Excellency, your Presence for the third consecutive year of this ceremony underscores your commitment to fostering a culture of tax compliance and recognizing the vital role taxpayers play in our national economic development. We are deeply grateful for your continuous leadership and support.”
According to the Gambia’s revenue collection Tzar, the annual event would remain significant in GRA’s effort to foster cordial relationships with its esteemed taxpayers.
“This ceremony provides a platform to acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional compliance efforts of individuals and businesses that contribute significantly to the nation’s revenue collection. Your commitment to fulfilling your civic duty ensures the government has the resources necessary to invest in public services, infrastructure development, and programs that benefit every Gambian,” CG Darboe highlighted. He continued: “Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are all witnesses to various infrastructure projects ongoing in the country and it will please you to know that most of these projects are directly funded with tax revenue. We, therefore, deemed it necessary to celebrate and recognize taxpayers, who are providing resources, to fund these projects. It would interest you to know that in the 2023 financial year, the Authority was tasked by the government to mobilize the sum of D15.2 billion, rising from D12.7 billion in 2022. As of the end of December 2023, the Authority collected the sum of D15.7 billion, 4% or in absolute terms D581M collection above the target, representing 24% nominal growth in revenue performance or an absolute variance of D3.01 billion when you compare to 2022 revenue performance. This remarkable achievement serves as evidence of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of each and every member of our hardworking team. This revenue performance would not have been possible without the dedication and efforts of our wonderful team and the support we receive from key stakeholders, including the honorable minister of finance and economic affairs and His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia Mr. Adama Barrow.”
The GRA boss pointed out that the feathers on the Authority’s cap would not have been there without teamwork and sacrifice.
“On behalf of the Board, Management, and the entire staff of GRA, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your exceptional efforts in contributing to the success we continue to achieve each year. Your diligence, sacrifice, and perseverancehave been instrumental in surpassing our set targets. And your commitment to excellence has been truly commendable. Our achievements would not have been possible without the invaluable support and guidance of the Board, Management, and staff of GRA. I express my sincere appreciation to every one of you for your leadership, vision, and strategic direction that propelled the Authority to new heights,” stated Darboe. He went on: “Additionally, I would like to extend our gratitude to stakeholders, including our principal; minister of finance and economic affairs, government agencies, donor partners, the business community, and our esteemed taxpayers for their collaboration, cooperation and support. Your partnership has played a crucial role in our accomplishments and we look forward to further strengthening these ties in the future.”
The Gambia’s revenue mobilization chief highlighted the need for the GRA board, management, and staff to reflect on the gains so far made and the challenges amid the celebration.
“As we celebrate this success, let us also acknowledge the challenges we have overcome and the lessons we have learned in 2023. The bar has been raised higher for the 2024 financial year. With an increased revenue target of D19.2 billion… That challenges us to reach even greater heights and I am confident that with the same spirit of teamwork, dedication, and innovation, we will rise to the occasion and exceed expectations once again,” he added.
CG Darboe described innovation as the highway to GRA’s success.
“The path to this success was paved by innovation such as the digitalization of our tax collection system and business processes. We have successfully rolled out digital initiatives like the web-based ASYCUDA World system, single window platform for clearance of goods, the launching of the new interactive website, the introduction of digital stamp for excisable goods and e-tracking services for transit goods, which can be monitored in real-time from our head office,” he explained.
The GRA boss thanked the GRA staff, management, and board for the Authority’s accomplishments.
“To our remarkable staff, I extend our appreciation for your tireless effort, dedication, and sacrifice. You are the engine that drives GRA forward and your contribution to exceeding our tax target is invaluable. A special thanks goes to the GRA Board and Management. Your guidance, support, and strategic vision have been instrumental in our achievement. Thank you very much, GRA board members,” he stated.
