By Ramatoulie Jawo
As a former businessperson, President Adama Barrow has acknowledged the importance of paying tax in respect to national development.
“I know how it feels to pay tax, but without taxes our development will not move as we want it,” Barrow said. “Just take a look at the Banjul rehabilitation project and the ‘Hakalang’ road project that are all fully funded by The Gambia government with the help of GRA.”
He added that as a government, all they want is to avoid taking loads from other countries because Gambia is a tax-based country.
“GRA revenue collections have shown up very positively over the past five years,” the President said while commending partners for always supporting them in terms of development.
The head of state made the remarks at a mega award gala dinner at a local hotel in Kololi, organised by the Gambian Revenue Authority (GRA) over the weekend in recognition of the role and efforts of Gambias’ taxi payers.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner General (CG), GRA, Yankuba Darboe said his institution would spare no effort, in providing the right leadership, and policy direction, to effectively and efficiently mobilise more revenues, while ensuring fairness and quality service delivery to their esteemed taxpayers.
“I would like to reassure you all that GRA remains committed to safeguarding that, Gambia achieves its social economic and development goals by playing its designated role as the government’s resource collection agency,” he said.
CG Darboe added that the practice is very important as it acknowledges the contribution of the business community in mobilization of revenues required for development.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from the public and the private sectors, including His Excellency President Adama Barrow, among others.