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Customs officer hails security cooperation as key to enhanced border revenue mobilisation

May 23, 2024, 11:13 AM | Article By: Momodou Jawo on tour

Customs officer, Ousainou Charreh, the head of operations at the Farafenni Custom Branch, has underscored the significance of unity and collaboration among security personnel at the border, arguing that it will go a long way in enhancing resource mobilisation.  

“Unity and collaboration among the different security personnel at the country’s borders will undoubtedly go a long way to not only maintaining the country’s peace and stability within the area, but as well enhance the work of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in their quest to collect the much needed revenues for national development,” he said at Farafenni while speaking on behalf of the different security personnel in the area during the visit of the Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).

The CDS, accompanied by the Minister of Defence, is currently on a countrywide tour of visiting military installations across the country with the aim of knowing their living and working conditions in order to address them.

“Your visit is not only a testament to your unwavering commitment to our nation’s security but also a valuable opportunity for us to demonstrate the diligence and dedication of our troops in safeguarding our borders.”

“As you embark on this familiarisation tour, we hope to provide you with an insightful perspective on the operational readiness and the collaborative efforts that underpin our border security. Your presence here serves as a powerful reminder of the strategic importance of border coordination and the role it plays in the stability and prosperity of our country,” Mr Charreh postulated.     

The senior customs officer in the region further added: “We are confident that this tour will further strengthen the ties between our forces and the central command, fostering a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced at the frontier. Therefore, given the fact that today marks a significant moment as we stand here at the border that not only demonstrates our country’s boundaries but also symbolises our sovereignty,” he emphasised.

“As we gather here, let us acknowledge the tireless efforts of our soldiers and other sister services who, without hesitation, stand ready to defend our country against any threat. Their discipline, courage, and resilience are the pillars upon which our country’s safety rests on.”

Charreh acknowledged the cordial working relationship that exists among the different security apparatus in the region, saying: “We can only maintain the country’s peace and tranquility if we are united and work for the interest of the country. We will continue to work together in ensuring that we safeguard our peace and stability so that our nation remains a beacon of peace in the world.”

Lieutenant General Mamat Cham, the CDS of the GAF, thanked the custom officers and the different security personnel in the area for their rousing welcome.

“This is a testament to the fact that there is a cordial relationship among you people. We want that to continue. If you are not united, it would be difficult for you to maintain peace in the area and the country at large.”

“At the level of national security, we are united and we work together, all geared towards ensuring that the country remains at peace so that the government can continue on its national development endeavour.”

Minister Sering Modou Njie, spoke on the importance of unity and collaboration among the country’s security personnel, saying: “You have to work together and support the customs officers in their drive in collecting revenue for the government.”