Earlier on, the Authority was tasked by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs to collect the sum of D19.2 billion, rising from D15.2 billion in 2023. Thus, through series of robust measures and under the wise and pragmatic leadership of the Commissioner General, the Authority was able to amass this record figure.
Yankuba Darboe was speaking at a recent presser held at GRA to reflect on the Authority’s remarkable revenue performance for the 2024 financial year.
Further, the presser was also meant to inform the public about the Authority’s revenue performance in the past year as well as to highlight the reforms that are driving its revenue performance year after year.
“As the primary revenue collection agency of the state, the Authority was tasked by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs to collect the sum of D19.2 billion, rising from D15.2 billion in 2023. I am pleased to announce that as of 31st December 2024, the Authority collected over D20.83 billion, representing an 8% collection above the target, or an absolute variance of D1.5 billion against the target.”
Commissioner General Darboe observed that with this remarkable progress when compared with the 2023 revenue performance, the Authority recorded a nominal revenue growth of 32%, with Domestic Taxes Department and Customs and Excise Department growing by 27% and 36% respectively.
“In absolute terms, the 2024 revenue performance shows a revenue growth of D5 billion from last year, with Domestic Taxes Department registering a revenue growth of D1.9 billion and Customs and Excise Department registering a revenue growth of D3 billion.”
That, he said, is indeed a remarkable achievement, adding that this “excellent” revenue performance is the result of the hardwork and dedication of the GRA team, the support of government, the cooperation of the esteemed taxpayers and stakeholders, and various reform initiatives.
“It is important to emphasise that this remarkable revenue performance is not the result of an increase in the tax rates, which have remained constant for almost a decade now. Rather, it is the outcome of various reform programs and initiatives aimed at widening the tax net, and from the efficiency gains registered by the digitalisation of our systems and business processes.”
Commissioner General Darboe recalled that over the past three years, the Authority had implemented a series of transformative reforms including - The implementation of the ASYCUDA WORLD system; the introduction of the Single Window system for trade facilitation; the deployment of the e-tracking system for cargo monitoring; the installation of a digital weigh bridge at the seaport and the introduction of digital tax stamps.
He added that the procurement of a rental income digital solution and the implementation of fuel marking, and many others, are among those reforms measures.
“Additionally, the Authority is currently working on implementing the following reforms initiatives: The implementation of Revenue Assurance System which will provide real time data on telecommunication usage, enabling the Authority to accurately calculate taxes on telecommunication services. The Authority is in the process of procuring an Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) for the Domestic Taxes Department which will result in the complete digitalisation of the entire business processes for the Domestic Taxes Department. This system, when deployed, will allow taxpayers to utilize various e-services without the need to visit our offices.”
The Authority, he added, is also working on implementing an Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System for VAT collection which seeks to improve the collection and accounting for VAT and will also reduce compliance cost for taxpayers.
Commissioner General Darboe observed that the excellent revenue performance registered in 2024 and the successful implementation of these reforms would not have been possible without the full support of the Honourable Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs and the staff of the Ministry of Finance, particularly the Directorate of Revenue and Tax Policy for coordinating and collaborating with the Authority in improving compliance from government contractors and suppliers.
To that end, he extended gratitude to his “formidable” board of directors for their oversight functions over management; providing guidance and support to management; and for championing the strategic direction of the Authority.
“Their participation in the formulation and design of the Authority’s previous and current corporate strategic plans, as well as their sacrifice and commitment, have been invaluable.”
“To the Management and staff of the Authority, I say thank you for your tremendous support. I am truly fortunate to lead such a dedicated and capable team. I also extend my appreciation to our stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade, GIEPA, GPA, the private sector and our development partners, for their collaboration and support.”
In the same vein, he thanked the taxpayers for their cooperation, adding that the Authority is working hard to improve taxpayer engagement and service delivery.
“We will strive to enhance our services in the coming months and years. I also extend a heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, the president of the Republic, Mr. Adama Barrow for his exemplary support and for giving the Authority the freedom to perform its functions without interference. His public advocacy for voluntary tax compliance has contributed immensely to our successes over the years.”
He alluded that when a person does a good job, they are given bigger responsibilities, saying that true to this adage, the Ministry of Finance has raised the bar higher for 2025.
“The Authority has been tasked with collecting about D23 billion in 2025, averaging almost D2 billion per month. The pressure of meeting monthly and annual targets is immense, but I am confident that with the support of the board, management and the entire staff of the Authority, we will rise to the challenge. We are hopeful in meeting this target because many of our ongoing reforms will yield significant dividends in 2025 and beyond.”
