Speaking in an interview with QTV on its programme ‘State of Affairs’, Mr. Darboe said among the innovations is digitalisation that has eased and helped GRA to collect the much needed revenue for the government.
He also mentioned the efficiency and professionalism of his staff in the discharge of their work, saying it always apply to its expectation. CG Darboe also spoke at length on the roles and mandates of the Gambia Revenue Authority in national development.
“We at the level of GRA, every month whatever is collected, we make sure it reconciles with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs”.
CG Darboe also recalled that GRA was established in 2004 by an Act of Parliament mandated to collect revenue on behalf of the government for national development.
Mr. Darboe, who spoke on a wide range of issues, said the role and mandates of GRA is different from the area councils. However, he said, there are areas where they can collaborate and complement each other's efforts in the best interest of national development.
According to CG Darboe, GRA has well experienced and trained staff that help the Authority to perform relatively well in mobilising the needed revenue on behalf of the government for national development.
“As I mentioned earlier on that The Gambia is a tax-based economy, therefore we need to have an institution that has efficient and productive staff.”
He equally linked the success that GRA has been registering the result of efficient staff that the Authority puts in place.
He also commended the government for the brilliant ideas in the creation of GRA. He said this was two entities (Customs and…….) but the government deemed it wise with the support of World Bank and IMF for the amalgamation which has since then yielded dividend in terms of revenue performance over the years.
He said the Authority (GRA) has been very effective in service delivery and performance.
Last year, GRA was able to meet its annual revenue target of (D12.5 billion) despite the numerous challenges.
He said this was due to the efficient and new innovative mechanisms put in place by the management of the Gambia Revenue Authority.
According to CG Darboe, this year’s annual revenue target for GRA stands at D13.5 billion and that GRA will strive very hard to ensure that it meets the set target for 2022.
