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Transport, Minister completes 5-day countrywide familiarisation tour

The Minister of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure Minister Sillah ends his familiarisation tour at the Jambur road project. He met senior operations and safety manager, Anthony Keita. The Jambur road is a 5.2km road maintenance programme. Mr Keita explains that the road is being rehabilitated due to its poor state. The contractor Toney Elhajie, told the Minister that mechanical challenges delayed work but assured him that the road will be completed in a month. The Minister in turn thanked the local leaders for their cooperation and expressed happiness with some progress registered at the various project sites across the country. He however expressed dissatisfaction at the rate of progress of the works and warned that government would not tolerate substandard work.

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Transport Minister visits North Bank Region (NBR) road projects.

The Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah has visited roads being constructed in the North Bank of the Gambia as part of his tour of projects under his ministry. Roads lot 1 & 2 project consultant Ya Amie Ceesay, told the minister that the Project requires the implementation of health, safety, and environmental management measures during the execution of the works as well as temporary traffic diversions along the right of way. She said the overall work progress of the 29km road stretching to the riverside is 100% excluding the 16km addendum of section one of the Sabasukoto to Bambali road. She added that all major works on the road from Ngeyen Sanjal to Sarakunda are fully completed except for the installation of road furniture and safety measures before it is open to traffic. The works include the construction of Pavement, bituminous surfacing, drainage structures, parking lanes and environmental, health safety management, road signage with traffic signboards, and a guardrail at the high embankments.

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The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea establish diplomatic and trade ties

The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea, Sunday, 29th May 2022 signed four bilateral agreements to establish diplomatic and trade links between the two countries, in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Malabo. The agreements are the Joint Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea, Cooperation Framework Agreement between The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea, MOU on Diplomatic Consultations between the Foreign Ministries, and Agreement on Reciprocal Exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The Cooperation Framework Agreement establishes the Joint Commission for Economic, Commerce, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. During the ceremony, President Adama Barrow and his counterpart H. E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, affirmed the mutual benefits of establishing relations between the two countries would yield. President Barrow said the two countries could gain a lot when they work in partnership to exploit their natural resources for the benefit of their people. He said Equatorial Guinea has a lot of natural gas, and The Gambia could benefit from their expertise. He added that he would send a ministerial delegation soon after returning to Banjul to start implementing the agreements. President Nguema Mbasogo said Equatorial Guinea and The Gambia could leverage each other’s potential for mutual benefit. He said Equatorial Guinea consumes a lot of groundnuts, which it Office of the President State House, Banjul The Gambia does not produce and can purchase from The Gambia. He said the development of intra-African trade would save the continent a lot of foreign exchange. President Nguema Mbasogo thanked President Barrow for his participation in the African Union Summit, adding that The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea did not have relations for a long time, noting it is now time for the two to work together. President Barrow in turn thanked President Nguema Mbasogo for his contribution towards ensuring peace prevailed in The Gambia during the political impasse in December 2016. He said The Gambia now has peace and is ready to build a new partnership between the two countries.  

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Libya releases Twelve Gambian from Prison

Twelve (12) Gambian nationals who had already served 1-year jail term in Libya have been released to the Gambian Association in Libya for repatriation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad announced in a press release that the migrants were released, without charge or condition, on the 28th May and will be repatriated on the next available charter flight. Their return will be facilitated through IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, and they will be provided with medical and psychological support.

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The Gambia government accepts all but two of TRRC recommendations

The government of the Gambia has accepted all but two of the TRRC recommendations. On Wednesday 25th May the government issued a white paper on the TRRC recommendations six months after they were submitted to the President. The one hundred and the seventy-three-page document was unveiled by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow. Mr. Jallow said all the recommendations are set for implementation in one shape or form. He said the recommendations to prosecute former President Yahya Jammeh and former vice president Dr.Isatou Njie Saidy have been accepted. The government however rejected the recommendation to grant amnesty to the former vice chairman of the AFPRC Sana Sabally. The Government will rename Arch 22 to NEVER AGAIN MEMORIAL ARCH in memory of victims of Jammeh and will renovate it and erect a wall with the names of Jammeh Victims. Honourable also announced that individuals who have been adversely mentioned by the Commission and to serve in various areas of the public and security services will be suspended from service. He said the government will work on a lawful means to effect their dismissal, termination, or compulsory retirement as each case may require.

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Transport, works and infrastructure minister starts familiarization tour

The Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah is on a familiarization tour of projects under implementation by his ministry. The Minister visited the mausoleum of the first President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara at the National Assembly where he was taken on a tour of the edifice, which is expected to complete in September. Minister Sillah also visited the Ports where he was received by the Managing Director of The Gambia Ports Authority Ousman M. Jobarteh. The transport minister toured various sections of the ports and engaged officials manning diverse operations to understand existing challenges. The minister proceeded to the west coast region where he saw ongoing projects including the Banjul International airport, Brufut, and the Brikama Market. At the Brikama market he was received by the governor of the west coast region. He toured the building project still under construction and the women's fish market. 

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President Barrow To Attend the 16th AU Extraordinary Summit

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency President Adama Barrow will join fellow African leaders in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for the 16th Extraordinary Summit of The African Union on terrorism and unconstitutional change of Government in Africa.President Barrow and his delegation will depart from the Banjul International Airport on Thursday, 26th May 2022 at 10:00 AM.The summit, which will be held from the 25th to the 28th of May, will seek to draw a continental agenda to prevent and counter the scourges of terrorism and the unconstitutional means of change of government on the continent.The summit is preceded by sessions by heads of various security and intelligence units from countries around the continent. President Barrow will proceed on a two-day working visit after the Summit. 

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REVISED 2020 AND PROVISIONAL 2021 GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

The Gross Domestic Product for the year 2021 is estimated at a growth of 4.3 per cent compared to the 2020 revised growth of 0.6 per cent showing an increase of 3.7 per cent. In 2021, GDP at constant market prices is estimated at GMD 64.8 billion compared to the revised estimate of GMD 62.1 billion in 2020. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in an increase in the economic activities in industries within the Agriculture, Industry, and Services sectors.GDP at current market prices is estimated at GMD 104.9 billion in 2021 compared to the revised estimate of GMD 93.3 billion in 2020. GDP per capita is GMD 44,696 which is equivalent to US$ 867 in 2021 as opposed to GMD 40,936 which is equivalent to US$ 802 in 2020. The Services sector continues to be the major contributor to GDP with a share of 57.5 per cent followed by the Agriculture sector with a share of 24.1 per cent and the Industry sector with a share of 18.4 per cent.For the year under review 2021, the Agriculture sector is estimated at a growth of 4.7 per cent compared to the revised growth of 10.6 per cent in 2020 showing a decline of 5.9 per cent. This decline is mainly attributed to the decrease in the production activities of Crop registering a growth of -9.1 per cent and Livestock registering a growth of -9.6 per cent.The Industry sector registered a growth of 10.4 per cent in 2021, which is 2.2 per cent more than the revised growth rate in 2020. The increase in growth in this sector is as a result of an increase in the economic activities of Construction registering a growth of 20.5 per cent and Electricity supply registering a growth of 7.0 per cent.The Services sector is estimated at a growth of 1.9 per cent in 2021 as against the revised growth of -5.0 per cent in 2020 showing an increase of 6.9 per cent. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which increased the economic activities in Arts, entertainment and recreation with a growth of 33.7 per cent; Accommodation and food service activities with a growth of 20.2 per cent; Finance and insurance activities with a growth of 6.5 per cent; and Other service activities with a growth of 6.4 per cent.GDP BY EXPENDITUREGDP by expenditure at current market prices shows that Final consumption expenditure which is an aggregate of consumption expenditures of households, general government, and non-profit institutions serving households is estimated at GMD 102.7 billion in 2021 with a growth of 2.3 per cent, accounting for 96.5 per cent of GDP; compared to the revised estimate of GMD 90.3 billion in 2020 registering a growth of 1.5 per cent,  accounting for 95.9 per cent of GDP.  Gross fixed capital formation which constitutes expenditures on construction, machinery and equipment, and cultivated assets is estimated at GMD 34.1 billion in 2021 with a growth of      -2.3 per cent compared to the revised estimate of GMD 30.2 billion in 2020 with a growth of 44.1 per cent. Gross fixed capital formation accounted for 32.1 per cent of GDP both in 2020 and 2021.Finally, the Trade Balance which is the difference between exports and imports of goods and services contributed -27.9 per cent and -28.6 per cent to GDP in 2020 and 2021 respectively. However, the Trade Balance registered a growth of -11.6 percent in 2021 compared to the revised growth of 81.8 per cent in 2020.  

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Police clamp down on foreign commercial drivers

The Gambia Police Force has announced it embarked on measures to clamp down on the use of commercial vehicles by foreign nationals and the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes on public roads. The Police said in its Poliso magazine that the move is meant to curb road traffic accidents. The exercise that began a week ago, also saw the Police impound tricycles used as commercial vehicles. The police say the situation of the commercial tricycles is being reassessed in line with the Motor Traffic Act and Regulations. Commercial tricycle users and operators have called on the authorities to allow the much-needed means of transport back on the roads.

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African Liberation Day Declared Public Holiday

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has declared Wednesday 25th May 2022, a Public Holiday throughout the country, in commemoration of the African Liberation Day.

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Fire Destroys large part of Fajikunda Health centre

A fire outbreak on Friday evening destroyed a large part of the fajikunda health Centre leaving several key units unrecognised. The units include the reproductive, child health, public health office, the pharmacy, and the vaccine storage room, causing huge disruption to service delivery at one of the busiest health facilities in Kanifing Municipality. Ramatoulie Camara, the Officer in Charge of the Health Centre says the incident paralyses services at the health facility. She paid tribute to the residents of Fajikunda who helped to put out the fire. Alhagie Sankareh, the Regional Health Director for Western One Region, who visited the scene, said the incident affected what he described as the nucleus of the facility.  The cause has not been established yet.

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Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill in progress

A three-day National CSO/Victims Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill organised by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative is underway. The consultation is centred on formulating a representative and inclusive draft reparations bill to present to the government as it finalises the white paper for the implementation of the TRRC recommendations.Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi said the Gambia government and people have resolved to improve the country's human rights situation, the constitutional, legal, and institutional framework. Ismene Zarifis of the American Bar Association assured her association’s support to the Gambia’s justice sector in pursuing justice and accountability.  The Chairman of the Victims Centre Sheriff M. Kijera, said the TRRC reparations program does not adequately address remedial pathways to cater for long-term medical assistance and psycho-social rehabilitation for victims. He said the financial compensation on its own is not enough, and that long-term medical and livelihood supports are essential components of the government's reparations program. Mr. Kijera said victims felt that measures taken by TRRC were inadequate and recommend a post-TRRC reparations committee that would include victims.

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Latest Updates

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THE GAMBIA AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO GEORGIA, MOLDOVA TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES

His Excellency Mr Pa Musa Jobarteh, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, on Friday 22nd May 2026 presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Georgia, His Excellency Mr Mikheil Kavelashvili, as the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to Georgia at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi.H.E. Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency President Adama Barrow to the President, the Government, and the people of Georgia. He underscored his willingness to work with Georgia further to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.During a closed-door meeting with the President, Ambassador Jobarteh highlighted several areas of cooperation, including Science and Technology, Agriculture, and Tourism. The two agreed to explore opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.In a similar development, His Excellency Mr Pa Musa Jobarteh, on Tuesday 26th May 2026 presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Moldova, Her Excellency Ms Maia Sandu, as the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Moldova at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Chisinau.H.E. Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency President Adama Barrow to the President, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Moldova. He underscored his willingness to work with the Republic of Moldova further to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.H.E Ambassador Jobarteh and Her Excellency Maia Sandu discussed and noted potential areas of aligned interest and cooperation in which The Gambia and the Republic of Moldova can mutually benefit, including support for each other’s candidature at multilateral levels and the relevance of multilateralism for small states. They both echoed similar sentiments on international peace and security, and the need to expand trade, agriculture and investment learning exchanges.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS BANJUL EID PRAYERS, CALLS FOR PEACE AHEAD OF ELECTION

Muslims in Banjul gathered at the King Fahd Mosque to observe the Feast of Eid al-Adha, locally known as Tobaski. President Adama Barrow, cabinet ministers, security chiefs, and senior government officials also participated in Eid prayers, led by Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah. The president used his Eid message to call for peace, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, led the two-rakah prayer.In his sermon after the prayer, the Imam Ratib urged Muslims to uphold peace, tolerance, and stability.He expressed concern over the rising use of drugs and illicit substances among youth and called for concerted efforts by government, parents, religious leaders, and society to address this menace, which threatens the well-being and future of young people.He also prayed for ongoing peace and stability in The Gambia and the wider world.In line with religious teachings, Imam Ratib supervised the slaughter of his sacrificial lamb, which opened the way for other Muslims across the city to do the same, as prescribed by Islamic faith.Outside the mosque, His Excellency Adama Barrow delivered his Eid address, congratulating Gambians and Muslims on this significant feast.He urged Muslims to be peaceful, tolerant, and law-abiding, adding that The Gambia is preparing for another presidential election, which the world will observe closely.On the international stage, President Barrow said he was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East. As chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, he maintains contact with regional leaders to promote dialogue, restraint, and diplomacy for resolving differences.The President then left the King Fahd Mosque in Banjul for State House, where he also oversaw the slaughter of his two sacrificial lambs.The Imam of the State House mosque, Alhaji Mustafa Jallow, led the team that marked the conclusion of the President's Eid celebrations.

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GAMBIA SIGNS SPORTS & EDUCATION DEAL WITH TIBU AFRICA 

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, has presided over the signing of a cooperation agreement between Tibu Africa from the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education, Youth and Sports at the State House in Banjul. This agreement aims to support the national development agenda, especially in youth empowerment, education transformation, sports development, and international collaboration. The delegation from Tibu Africa accompanied by Bakary Y. Badjie the Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr Habibatou Drammeh the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, went to the Vice President's office to formally introduce their initiatives in The Gambia.Following an in-depth discussion with VP Jallow regarding the programme, the approach to implementation, and its potential impact on the country, the president of Tibu Africa Mohamed Amine Zariat, proceeded to sign agreements with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.These agreements, reaffirming the Government’s strong commitment to investing in Gambian youth development and empowerment, through strategic international partnerships, also form part of broader efforts to expand opportunities for Gambian youth in sport and education, as highlighted by Tibu Africa's President, Mohamed Amine Zariat.This partnership also aims to incorporate sports into national development policies. Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y Badjie described the arrival of Tibu Africa in The Gambia as a “significant advantage.”The Gambia is poised to become the first English-speaking country to benefit from Tibu Africa's intervention and partnership programmes, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s expansion within the African continent.Basic and Secondary Education Minister, Dr Habibatou Drammeh said the government, through her ministry, is “fully committed to the agreement with Tibu Africa.”This programme targets all “642 public primary schools across the country.” A similar agreement is expected to be signed between Tibu Africa and the Ministry of Interior.Tibu Africa is internationally recognised for its innovative use of sports as a catalyst for sustainable social transformation, youth empowerment, educational advancement, and community development. The organisation operates in more than fifty-two cities across the twelve regions of Morocco and has expanded its interventions to several African countries, including Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Madagascar.

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GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS MISINFORMATION ON POWER CUTS, URGES NATIONAL UNITY

The Government wishes to express deep concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, deliberate distortions, and politically motivated narratives circulating on social media and certain online platforms regarding issues of governance, corruption, and recent electricity supply challenges.While the government fully acknowledges the concerns of citizens affected by intermittent power shortages and other national challenges, it is both irresponsible and unfortunate that some individuals and groups have chosen to exploit these temporary challenges to spread falsehoods, undermine public confidence, and score cheap political points rather than contribute constructively to national dialogue and solutions.The Government remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.  Consequently, allegations of corruption must never be reduced to social media propaganda, political sensationalism, or coordinated misinformation campaigns aimed solely at scoring cheap political points and creating public distrust. Matters of governance and public accountability are serious national issues that must be addressed through credible institutions, evidence-based processes, and the rule of law and not through reckless speculation and politically charged disinformation.It is essential to remind the public that the current electricity supply constraints are being actively addressed through ongoing interventions, investments, and regional energy cooperation efforts, particularly within the framework of the OMVG. The Gambia Government, under the leadership of President Adama Barrow has achieved significant progress in expanding national electricity access, improving generation capacity, and modernising energy infrastructure over recent years. These achievements should not be ignored simply for political convenience.No responsible government desires inconvenience for its citizens, particularly during important social and religious periods. However, genuine leadership requires honesty, patience, and collective responsibility, especially during moments like these.For nearly the past year, the country has experienced one of the most stable and reliable electricity supply periods in recent national history, with many households and businesses enjoying significantly improved power availability and fewer interruptions. This progress was not accidental, but the result of deliberate government investments and reforms in the energy sector. Therefore, temporary technical challenges currently affecting electricity supply in parts of the country should be viewed within their proper context. While any disruption to electricity supply is regrettable and taken seriously by the Government, isolated operational and technical challenges cannot reasonably justify the level of outrage, alarmism, and politically charged narratives being amplified in some quarters.The Government is therefore urging political actors, media platforms, activists, and members of the public to exercise restraint, patriotism, and responsibility in their public commentary. Constructive criticism is welcome in every democratic society, but the deliberate politicisation of temporary national challenges for narrow partisan gain does not serve the interests of the country or its people.National development cannot thrive in an atmosphere poisoned by misinformation, constant negativity, and manufactured outrage. Progress requires unity, stability, responsible citizenship, and a shared commitment to national interest above political opportunism.The Government reassures the public that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the electricity supply, strengthen service delivery, and continue advancing the country’s development agenda. Citizens are encouraged to rely on official channels for accurate information and to reject the spread of false and misleading content designed to create unnecessary panic and division.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HOSTS TIBU AFRICA AS MOROCCO GROUP LAUNCHES FIRST ANGLOPHONE PROGRAM IN GAMBIA

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Tuesday received Mohamed Amine Zariat, President of Tibu Africa, at the State House. Tibu Africa is a Morocco-based sports organisation specialising in sports education, empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion of youth, women, and children across Africa. Mr Zariat launched the first Tibu in The Gambia, marking the first in Anglophone Africa.The President of Tibu Africa, Muhammed Amin Zariat, was accompanied to the State House by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, and the Tibu country representative, Ebrima Manneh.Speaking to journalists after their audience with President Barrow, Mr Zariat disclosed that Tibu Africa was founded in 2011 to promote sports education and empower women and youths.Mr Zariat added that Tibu Africa plans to expand its activities in The Gambia, targeting schools across the country to give young people opportunities to pursue careers in sports education.The Tibu Africa President also praised the Gambia-Morocco friendship, which inspired this partnership, and expressed particular thanks to King Mohammed VI and President Barrow for their patronage.To further strengthen this partnership, Mr Zariat announced plans to establish a basketball court in The Gambia in December. He also extended an invitation to the President to attend the next Education Through Sport summit, to be held in Casablanca next year, where The Gambia will be the guest country.Finally, Mr Zariat expressed hope that The Gambia will qualify for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco.

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GRA DOUBLES REVENUE TO D25.3B IN 5 YEARS UNDER DARBOE

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has significantly improved its performance over the last five years, thanks to good management, strong leadership, and new ideas. Their revenue has increased from D12.7 billion in 2021 to an impressive D25.3 billion in 2025. This success has come from the efforts of Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and his team, who transformed an authority that used to struggle to meet its goals.The 2026 GRA awards celebrate the biggest and most compliant taxpayers of the year. They also highlight the GRA as an institution that consistently exceeds expectations.Yankuba Darboe has been leading the GRA since 2014, six years after it was created by combining the central revenue department with the customs and excise departments. His leadership has brought about changes that have greatly improved how revenue is collected and taxed in The Gambia.With a dedicated team and support from a government focused on development, Mr Darboe started reforms that doubled and even tripled revenue in a short time. This earned him praise from the government and his colleagues.President H.E. Adama Barrow has been inspired by Darboe’s achievements and has attended every taxpayer award night to recognise and appreciate his leadership and contributions.Colleagues at the GRA also admire Darboe for his leadership skills, passion for success, and commitment to exceeding targets.Despite this success, Mr Darboe remains humble and sees these achievements as motivation to keep improving. He believes in always finding new opportunities and welcoming innovations, without creating more pressure on taxpayers. His main goal is to expand the tax base, rather than raise tax rates for the people.As they celebrate another successful year, the GRA leadership and team are confident in their ability to continue meeting and exceeding targets, supported by new technologies and systems. The future looks bright for them.

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