In a significant move to strengthen oversight and operational efficiency, the newly constituted Board of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), accompanied by top management, has completed a two-day tour of key tax and customs stations across the Greater Banjul Area and the Kombos.
The tour offered Board members a direct insight into the daily operations, working conditions, and challenges faced by frontline staff who drive the Authority’s revenue collection successes.
Board Chairman Mr. Dawda Ndure led the delegation, which included Vice Chairman Mr. Alfusainey Camara, Board Member Mr. Abdoulie Batchilly, Commissioner General Mr. Yankuba Darboe, Deputy Commissioner General Mr. Essa Jallow, Commissioner of Customs Mr. Alhaji K. Mbye, and senior GRA officials.
On the first day, the team visited Tallinding and Serekunda Tax Offices, which share a facility along the Mamadi Maniang Highway. The managers, Mr. Alhaji Kabiro Barrow and Mr. Abdoulie Baldeh, welcomed the delegation. They highlighted strong revenue performance while drawing attention to pressing issues, including erratic power supply, insufficient furniture, and limited computers. The Board assured staff that these concerns would be addressed.
The delegation proceeded to Wellingara Tax Office, where Manager Mr. Lamin Jassey reported solid collections but requested additional computers and furniture. At the Brusubi Tax Office, Senior Tax Officer Mr. George Jarjue also appealed for enhanced support to boost productivity.
Board and management commended staff at both locations for their dedication and urged them to uphold ethics, integrity, and teamwork.
The tour continued to Tanji and Mandinary Customs Posts. At Tanji, staff emphasized the need for mobility to monitor the Atlantic coastline and combat smuggling effectively. The post is also slated to host the future GRA Training Academy, pending funding. At Mandinary, the delegation commended Manager Mr. Baba Fofana and his team for an outstanding collection of D593 million in March 2026. Courtesy calls were paid to Gam Petroleum and Gambian Petroleum Services.
On the second day, the team inspected Airport Customs, where Manager Ms. Awa Mendy Samba expressed gratitude for recent interventions, including a borehole. Commissioner of Customs Mr. Alhaji K. Mbye praised the station for collecting over D19 million in April despite global challenges. Staff were encouraged to treat travelers with respect to enhance the country’s image.
In Brikama, Tax Manager Mr. Mamudu Maane reported operational difficulties due to a grounded official vehicle. The Commissioner General promised to resolve the mobility issue. The team also congratulated Dr. Abou Khan on his recent PhD graduation in Public Administration and visited the progressing construction of a new Tax Office.
The tour concluded at Jiboroh Customs Post, where Manager Mr. Seedy M.B. Kinteh showcased impressive revenue growth from D745,170 (Jan-Jun 2024) to D3.37 million (Jul-Dec 2024). Challenges such as solar system maintenance and staff quarters renovation were noted. Cross-border collaboration with Senegalese Customs and joint efforts with Gambian security agencies were highly praised, and the Commissioner General addressed appeals for better equipment.
Throughout the tour, GRA leadership consistently encouraged staff to maintain high ethical standards, embrace teamwork, and pursue professional development while pledging support to overcome infrastructural constraints.
