By Fatou Sillah
The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), Yankuba Darboe, has called on businesses operating outside the tax system to regularize their status by registering and complying with national tax laws, assuring them of the authority’s full support throughout the process.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Darboe acknowledged that some businesses continue to operate without meeting their tax obligations, describing the situation as undesirable. He emphasized that the GRA is encouraging such enterprises to come forward, formalize their operations, and fulfill their tax responsibilities.
“We understand there are still businesses that are operating in this country, and they are not coming forward to pay their taxes; this is not what is desirable. At the level of GRA, we are inviting those businesses to come and register their businesses and pay their taxes,” he said.
Darboe further reminded business owners that tax compliance is both a legal and civic duty, regardless of nationality. He noted that The Gambia depends largely on tax revenue to finance national development and public services.
“Whether you are a Gambian or you are a non-Gambian, once you are doing business in this country, you are doing an economic activity, and you are gaining some benefits out of it. It is an obligation on you for you to come forward and pay your taxes because The Gambia is a tax-based economy,” he said.
Reassuring noncompliant businesses, the Commissioner General stressed that the GRA remains approachable and supportive, urging business owners not to be apprehensive about engaging with the tax system.
“Our doors are open; come forward, don’t be afraid of anything. Please come forward and join those that are paying their taxes so that we can all enjoy the things that are happening in the country,” he said.
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