By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) on Tuesday sensitised journalists on the implementation of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS), describing it as a major step in modernising tax administration and improving service delivery in The Gambia.
The one-day training, held in Banjul, brought together more than 30 journalists and was organised in collaboration with the Network of Financial and Tax Reporters (NFTR), with support from the World Bank. It aimed at strengthening media reporting on taxation and ongoing digital reforms.
Opening the session, GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe said the ITAS reform places taxpayers at the centre of national economic development and is designed to enhance transparency, efficiency and voluntary compliance.
“For many years, the GRA has been on a transformation journey to modernise tax and customs processes, enhance efficiency and foster a culture of voluntary compliance,” Darboe said.
He said the system will move key services online, including e-registration, e-filing, e-payments and e-refunds, thereby reducing time and administrative burden on taxpayers.
Darboe added that the digital platform would improve transparency, reduce human error and strengthen record-keeping, describing ITAS as “the future of tax administration”.
He emphasised that the success of the reform depends on stakeholder engagement, particularly the media and business community, whom he described as key partners in public sensitisation.
Deputy Commissioner General Essa Jallow said the media plays a critical role in bridging the gap between the GRA and the public, stressing that accurate reporting is essential for building trust in tax administration.
ITAS Project Manager Samba Sallah said the engagement was part of efforts to involve stakeholders early in the implementation process to ensure accurate dissemination of information and reduce misinformation.
NFTR President Abdoulie Nyockeh commended the GRA for supporting journalists’ capacity building, saying the training would improve understanding of tax laws, digital reforms and their role in national development.
Participants were taken through presentations on the GRA’s mandate and ongoing reforms, with interactive sessions designed to deepen understanding of the new system.
The GRA said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to improve public awareness and promote accurate reporting on taxation and fiscal reforms