The business people are complaining about these new charges introduced at the GPA, effective 15 May 2023, on containers, wherein US$105 is charged per 20ft container, US$220 per 40ft container and US$0.85 per ton on bulk vessel. Payments are said to be done in US dollars, which is also a cause for concern.
Mr President, it is essential to note that these charges are going to reflect high on the prices of goods consumed by the people in The Gambia, as the imposition of charges always gives rise to rapid inflation or hike in prices of goods and services in a country.
Mr President, these new charges would ultimately add to the already high cost and increased prices of goods and services in the country, such as basic food commodities, fuel, electricity and water supply about which people are complaining every day, saying things are hard.
It is considered that the Minister of Finance could have consulted with the stakeholders such as members of the business community. These charges, it must be noted, would lead to several economic consequences for The Gambia.
Some of the repercussions of the new charges, as petitioned by the business community to the Ministry of Trade, are that CTN “adds no value to business” because already the Bill of Lading has all the details of goods coming in or going out.
CTN is simply a tax that increases the cost of imports and exports, and the cost is then passed on to the Gambian people making goods more expensive for the people.
Also, if there are more costs on imported goods, the cross border trade will decrease and eventually stop. The impact of this is disastrous on revenue for the Gambia Revenue Authority, availability of goods, jobs for the people and for the cost of living of every Gambian.
Increasing cost on the business community will affect everybody in The Gambia as the charges will reflect on the prices of the goods and services consumed.
Mr President, for your information, the company GTMS that introduces CTN at the GPA was operating in Sierra Leone but according to media reports, their services were terminated on 14 February 2019. Your government should therefore take note and tread cautiously.
Mr President, a related issue is the airport security levy, which tourists and Gambian travellers are complaining about. This issue should also be addressed, as it has affected tourism and business in the country.
Mr President, a word for the wise is quite sufficient hence you should heed advice and abolish these measures which may make your government unpopular.
Mr President, the feast of Eid ul Adha (Tobaski) is scheduled for June 29, 2023, according to the calendars.
Thus a committee comprising stakeholders in the livestock industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, Gambia Revenue Authority, Gambia Ports Authority, municipal councils, the Immigration, Ministry of Trade and other relevant parties, should be set up as usual to plan the deal in rams and other livestock.
Mr President, the foreign exchange, especially the CFA, is causing the price of rams to rise exorbitantly more so as the Tobaski is approaching. This is because the CFA is rapidly increasing in exchange rate over the Gambian Dalasi. Thus, proactive measures should be taken to mitigate the cost of rams and other livestock.
Mr President, another very important issue to consider in relation to rams for the Tobaski is the recent discovery in Senegal of a disease called Crimo Congo, which is detected in cattle. This disease that is affecting livestock such as rams is reportedly being caused by bedbugs and other harmful insects. The disease, which was reportedly discovered in Senegal, could affect other Sahelian countries. And since it is from these countries we are going to be buying or getting our rams and other cattle mainly for the Tobaski, it is essential that we are medically alert to protect our nation.
Mr President, any committee that will be set up by your government should consider very well the aforementioned issues and concerns.
Good day!