By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow has announced the introduction of a new levy on imported goods to finance security sector reform, saying the measure is expected to generate approximately D1.2 billion annually.
Speaking during a meeting with the National People’s Party (NPP) student wing, President Barrow said the additional revenue is necessary because the national budget alone cannot adequately meet the operational and reform needs of the country’s security institutions.
Responding to a question on national security, the president said security sector reform has remained one of his administration’s key priorities since he assumed office. He said the government’s objective is to build a professional, well-trained, and effective security sector capable of safeguarding the country and its citizens.
According to President Barrow, collection of the new levy will begin this month, with its impact expected to become more evident next year as security institutions begin benefiting from the additional funding.
“Because our resources are limited, I told them we have to be innovative. In that levy, every Gambian, whatever you import into this country, there is a levy that is coming. Everybody will contribute to the sector because the budget cannot cater to what the security needs in this country,” he said.
The president emphasized that the government’s regular budget cannot fully finance the country’s security sector reform agenda or address all the needs of the security services. He argued that investing in security is essential for national development, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a secure and stable environment.
“These are some of the innovative ideas we are doing, and we try to make sure that we train our security to professional levels, so that they can do the job that Gambians give them the responsibility to do in this country,” President Barrow said.
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