HE Adama Barrow, president of the Gambia
By Buba Gagigo
In his address to the nation on the eve of Koriteh, President Adama Barrow emphasized the importance of citizens paying taxes to facilitate further development in the country.
President Barrow emphasized the necessity of maintaining essential infrastructure like road networks, electricity, and clean water to advance the national development agenda. He highlighted the importance of financial resources in achieving these goals, recognizing that Gambia’s natural resources are limited. Thus, taxation remains pivotal for sustaining development initiatives.
“All these require a continual flow of financial resources. Unfortunately, the country is not generously endowed with natural resources. Besides the alternative of diversifying revenue sources, taxes remain the lifeline of our development programmes. Although the Government does not intend to overburden you with tax increases or payments, we urge all taxpayers to pay tax dutifully and promptly.
“We promise to use the revenue wisely to build more roads, provide electricity, clean water sources, and fulfill our obligations towards enhancing lives and livelihoods. A solid revenue base is the surest guarantee to viably put our development agenda on track. Once again, I urge all of you to pay your taxes for the betterment of the country. This is the time to work harder and do better for our dear Gambia,” President Barrow said.
President Barrow also highlighted the upcoming Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation Summit, scheduled for May 2024, as an opportunity for The Gambia to showcase its potential on the world stage.
“I believe everyone here now knows that The Gambia will host the 15th edition of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation Summit next month, May 2024. Following several postponements of hosting the event, we are grateful that it is now on the horizon. By God’s grace, we shall welcome the Muslim Ummah to the Smiling Coast of Africa. I ask that you prepare to put on your best show for the occasion,” the president said.
President Barrow encouraged collective prayers for the success and peacefulness of the summit, underscoring the significance of unity and cooperation in achieving national and international milestones.
“Singly and collectively in our places of worship, both during and after the Eid, let us pray for a successful and peaceful summit,” President Barrow said.