The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) earned high praise from President Adama Barrow during the inaugural meeting of the Economic Council earlier this week, where it was commended for its consistent success in mobilizing revenue to support national growth and development.
Chaired by President Barrow, the monthly Economic Council gathers to assess economic conditions, evaluate the performance of state institutions, and offer policy guidance to the government. In this first session, the GRA stood out for its reliable track record under Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe.
As the statutory body responsible for collecting and administering tax revenues, the GRA plays a pivotal role in funding government operations. Darboe highlighted that the authority has not only met but frequently exceeded its annual targets, with promising trends continuing this year.
A series of ambitious reforms drives the GRA’s achievements, focused on boosting collections, closing loopholes, and improving operational efficiency. Key initiatives include the rollout of a digital tax stamp and a fuel marking system, which have helped curb smuggling and significantly increase revenue from petroleum products.
A major advancement is the implementation of a single-window platform at all ports of entry and exit. This system tracks the movement and transit of goods nationwide, with real-time monitoring from GRA headquarters to prevent diversions of trucks or fuel tankers. Infrastructure upgrades at Banjul Port enable rapid container scanning, digital truck weighing, and electronic registration of unloaded cargo, enabling businesses to clear goods within 24 hours.
These digital tools have minimized bureaucracy, enhanced transparency, and expedited trade processes. Rafael Mendy, GRA’s seaport manager, underscored the authority’s dedication to service delivery, accountability, and openness.
Looking ahead, Darboe announced plans for a centralized online platform that will allow taxpayers to settle all obligations remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits to GRA offices.
Another standout success is the Rental Income Tax program, launched in October last year across the Kanifing Municipality and Brikama Area Council. Revenue from the initiative has risen sharply from D92 million at inception to D139 million this month, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing previously underreported income.
Darboe attributed these gains to President Barrow’s strong political support and non-interference in revenue administration, which have fostered an environment of peace and stability conducive to sustainable fiscal progress.
The GRA’s overarching vision is to empower taxpayers to self-assess and fulfill their obligations responsibly, ensuring maximized revenue for socio-economic and infrastructural advancement in The Gambia.
