This was confirmed by the GRA top officials: Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and Essa Jallow, the deputy commissioner general and head of Domestic Taxes respectively.
Speaking to this reporter at his office on Thursday, 6 January 2022, Mr. Jallow said the government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MOFEA) tasked GRA to collect slightly over D12.7 billion as an annual revenue target for 2021.
However, despite the numerous challenges affecting revenue collection due to the deadly coronavirus pandemic, the GRA was able to collect slightly over D12.7 billion, which is 100% of 2021 revenue target.
Mr. Jallow also spoke on the challenges GRA faced in the collection of revenue in certain areas. He was quick to indicate that the government subsidies have really reduced GRA revenue collection in 2021.
DCG Jallow recalled back that in 2020, GRA was given a target of D10.1 billion of revenue collections.
But according to Mr. Jallow, they were able to mobilise an amount of D11.8 billion for the Gambia government, which was more than the actual amount of D10.1 billion in 2020.
However Mr. Jallow disclosed that in 2020, GRA exceeded the government target by D1.7 billion, representing 17% above the said target.
According to Mr. Jallow, GRA has been performing relatively well in revenue performance over the years due to collective commitment from all taxpayers and GRA staff and management.
He commended both the taxpayers and the GRA staff and management for the commitment to national duty as GRA collects revenue for national development.
He said that GRA cannot do it alone; therefore, the increase of voluntary tax compliance has really yielded dividend in GRA revenue performance over the years.
He also disclosed that GRA is planning to host a Taxpayers’ Award ceremony to return gratitude to the most tax compliant companies of the year. He said the objective is to motivate them to continue to respect the laws of the land particularly revenue laws.
For his part the Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe commended his staff and management and the board for the collective efforts and teamwork to ensure that GRA does not relent its effort to achieve the annual revenue target.
He also extolled the public enterprise companies for their voluntary tax compliance over the years.
He assures government of GRA’s firm commitment in collecting the much needed revenue for government within its mandate.
