Ensuring sustainable economic growth remains a key vision for many nations, developed and developing alike. Whereas taxation is one of the oldest means by which the cost of government is funded, therefore, timely payment of tax is of great importance to any nation in pursuit of self-reliance and in meeting its economic regulation needs.
Being a tax-based economy, The Gambia greatly depends on tax revenue to fund and cover public expenditures. Collecting tax is everybody’s responsibility as the government needs to develop. This is manifested in the huge amount of funds collected by the authority on behalf of the government. These funds are spent on development initiatives like education, schools, health infrastructures and other projects.
It is no hidden secret that the country largely depends on revenue through taxes and other economic activities to help government finance projects.
Recently, the proliferation in the country of alcoholic and other related substances mostly through our porous borders is a cause of concern. It is in the news that the commissioner general of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Yankuba Darboe has raised alarm over rampant smuggling of alcohol through the porous border village of Giboro from Senegal.
Many would attest to the fact that since the closure of Banjul Breweries Manufacturing Company in The Gambia, there has been proliferation of alcoholic substances in the country.
Failure to pay tax for this makes the business liable to seizure, prosecution or even closure of the business entity.
Some unscrupulous businessmen have made it a habit to smuggle goods using the country’s porous borders. This fraudulent type of operation needs to stop. To ensure effective tax collection, there is a need for greater collaboration of all stakeholders. No institution alone can do it alone.
Also, strict border surveillance is key as it sometimes deterred would-be fraudsters who normally use our porous border to escape revenue staff at the border.
Let’s support GRA in their quest to mobilise more revenue for more developments. We cannot but thank the staff of the Authority for their commitment and dedication in ensuring that its monthly and yearly targets are met.