By Ramatoulie Jawo
Yankuba Darboe, the Commissioner General of The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), disclosed to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) that the Authority accomplished a remarkable feat by collecting a total revenue of GMD12,741,786,836.18 in 2021.
Appearing before the committee on Monday, January 29, 2024, for the consolidation of its Activity Report and financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2021, GRA highlighted its ability to meet revenue targets despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Despite the Challenges brought about by COVID-19 in 2021, the Authority was able to meet its revenue targets and thus achieve an important milestone. The Authority collected a total revenue of GMD12,741,786,836.18 in 2021, which translated into 100 percent of its Annual target compared to the total revenue collected in the corresponding period in 2020 of GMD 11,807,925,060.95. The total revenue collected in 2021 presented a nominal growth of GMDD 933,861,775.23 or 8 percent the attainment of the 2021 revenue target by GRA equals the 9th time in ten years from 2012 to 2021,” DG Darboe disclosed.
Breaking down the revenue by departments, the Customs and Excise Department contributed significantly, with a total revenue collection of GMD 7,093,234,506.07 for the year 2021. This accounted for a commendable 94 percent performance rate against the department’s annual revenue target of GMD 7,538,528,525.
However, the performance of international trade receipts faced challenges due to factors such as a substantial increase in global freight charges, high international commodity prices, elevated ship handling charges, the COVID-19 pandemic, high duty waivers (amounting to D2.062 billion), fuel subsidies exceeding D325 million, and the negative impact of uncertainties and speculations around the Presidential Elections.
“These included the significant increase in freight charges globally by more than 200%, high international commodity prices, increased ship handling charges, COVID-19 pandemic high duty waivers (D2.062 billion fuel subsidies in excess of D325 million and the negative impact of uncertainties and speculations around the Presidential Elections,” he told the members
Mr. Darboe emphasized that these factors led to a more than 35% drop in import volumes of essential commodities and a 5% decrease in their corresponding values, on which import tariffs are applied.
During the consideration stage, committee members sought clarification on various aspects, including the amount spent on capacity building, which exceeded 12 million. GRA’s management clarified that the funds were utilized for training, both domestic and overseas, aimed at enhancing the capacity of their staff for more effective and efficient tax administration.
The committee ultimately adopted the GRA 2021 Activity and Financial Statements with some amendments.