The secretary general of the Association of Clearing, Customs and Forwarding Agents (ACCFA), Momodou Sowe has spoken about the consistent revenue performance registered by the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) over the recent years, attributing it to quality leadership.
He hailed Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, saying that GRA's inclusive reforms placed Gambia on a stronger economic footing.
Mr. Sowe emphasised that the collaborative and inclusive approach to reform has not only benefited the Revenue Authority but also the agents themselves.
“Faster clearance times, enhanced data management, and streamlined processes have collectively placed The Gambia on a stronger economic footing,” he argued.
Speaking in an exclusive interview at his office in Banjul, Mr. Sowe said revenue performance has increased through various reforms and the role of the clearing agents in revenue mobilisation.
He further hailed the GRA leadership and its reform agenda as reasons for the sector’s achievements.
He emphasised the importance of unity among agents, GRA officials, and government in sustaining these gains and pushing forward The Gambia's trade and revenue systems to new heights. "The journey continues, with high hopes of extended mandates and further advancements firmly in view."
Mr. Sowe also praised the GRA for its celebrated transformative impact on the revenue sector, particularly in advancing digital reforms and elevating the efficiency of customs and revenue collection processes.
“If GRA is getting billions, we should say thank you to Yankuba. GRA is facilitating trade in this country, ensuring that maximum revenue is collected in this country,” Mr. Sowe said
Mr. Sowe also spoke extensively about the role of the clearing agents, which he said should not be underestimated as far as revenue mobilisation is concerned. "We clearing agents cannot be left behind in ensuring GRA collects the much needed due for the government."
Mr. Sowe asserted the critical role agents play as intermediaries in ensuring that revenue due from the import and export of goods is collected and accounted for, directly contributing to national development. "With reforms firmly in place, including government consignment tracking and aligning with international trade practices, the system now captures and reports all transactions comprehensively."
Mr. Sowe further emphasised that under the stewardship of Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, the GRA has embarked on significant reforms that have revolutionised the customs clearing process.
He highlighted the evolution from labor-intensive, manual methods to rapid, internet-based declarations that can be submitted from anywhere in the world, even by agents abroad.
"This drastic improvement includes the introduction of the system allowing declarations in under two minutes, and a comprehensive tracking system that logs cargo and movement at ports and borders, facilitating transparency and efficiency."
