By: Binta Jaiteh
Ensa Jallow, the Deputy Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has called on all Gambians to embrace the soon-to-be-launched Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).
This is a digital platform designed to promote transparency and improve tax compliance across the country.
Mr. Jallow who is also the Head of Domestic Taxes made the statement during the official opening of a two-day seminar organized for frontline taxpayers. The seminar aims to sensitize key stakeholders on the features, benefits, and implementation strategies of the ITAS system, which forms part of GRA’s broader tax reform initiatives.
He emphasized that the main objective of the forum was to engage stakeholders in on-going reforms that seek to revolutionize the tax administration landscape in The Gambia.
“Tax administration plays crucial role in mobilizing the domestic revenue needed for national development,” he noted. “However, many tax administrations, including ours, are facing growing operational costs, while taxpayers are burdened by high compliance costs.”
To address these challenges, he said, GRA is introducing ITAS—a modern, automated system that will enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve taxpayer services.
“Today’s seminar is not just about learning a new system it’s about adopting a new mind set toward tax compliance and administration. ITAS will prioritize transparency, efficiency, and accountability,” Mr. Jallow said.
He added that integrating modern technology into GRA’s operations will simplify procedures, improve service delivery, and ensure a fair and equitable tax system that is accessible to all. The reforms, he stressed, are not only beneficial to the authority but will also empower citizens by helping them better understand their tax responsibilities.
He further highlighted that the successful implementation of ITAS will build trust among stakeholders and foster more transparent tax administration ecosystem.
“This is why we are conducting these awareness seminars—to inform stakeholders about the technological advancements we are undertaking and the benefits they bring in terms of revenue collection and compliance management,” he said while he outlined the objectives of the ITAS seminar.
He therefore expressed gratitude to the World Bank Group and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for their financial and political support in making ITAS a reality.
However, he reaffirmed GRA’s commitment to creating a modern, transparent, and efficient tax system that serves both the institution and the people of The Gambia.