The Standard newspaper on Wednesday broke the story of the shutdown which has since generated controversy especially on social media.
However, a senior member of the GRA Management confirmed to journalists on Thursday that the two companies are cooperating with the Authority and have since made advance payments.
“I can confirm to you that GACH and Pavi Fort are cooperating very well. We have asked them to prepare a payment plan and share it with us. We are optimistic that the matter will be sorted out very soon.” the GRA source said.
According to the senior GRA official, GACH has already paid D600,000 and is planning to effect another payment today. The official, however, objected to disclosing the amount the two companies owed.
GACH explains
GACH Global has since attributed the temporary shutdown to a glaring case of administrative miscommunication with tax authorities, rejecting any claims of deliberate tax evasion.
The company confirmed that it has since engaged the GRA to address the matter.
In a statement shared with the media on Thursday, GACH Global said:
“We wish to clarify to the general public, our partners, and well-wishers that the matter in question arose from a miscommunication and minor fiscal oversight, which has since been fully resolved in consultation with the relevant authorities. The temporary closure limited to our tomato processing facility in Banjulinding, has been lifted, and operations have resumed as normal. Gach Global continues to maintain a constructive and cooperative relationship with the GRA.”
It added: “We are, however, deeply concerned by several inaccuracies and misleading assertions contained in the publication. In particular, the article makes reference to Gach Global Company Limited in the context of mining activities, creating the false impression that the company is engaged in or has carried out mining operations. This is factually incorrect. Gach Global Company Limited is not a mining company and has never undertaken any mining activity. Any suggestion to the contrary is misleading and reflects a lack of due diligence in the preparation of the article.
“While we respect the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability, we are concerned by the sensational tone of the publication, particularly in circumstances where the issue was administrative in nature and swiftly addressed.”
The company reassured the public that GACH Global remains fully operational, stable, and committed to its role in advancing The Gambia’s agro-industrial sector.
“We thank all stakeholders for their continued support and confidence.”
