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Three men charged with attempted murder

Police have charged three men for attempted murder following an incident in which two boys were held hostage and brutally tortured. The suspects Yaya Gassama, Abba Demba, and Amadou Bailo Jallow are said to belong to a gang called “entourage” in the Mandinary area. Inspector Alieu Jamanka, the assistant police spokesperson told journalists at the crime scene that the men were arrested following a tip-off. The two young boys were reportedly stripped naked, tied up, dumped in an old well, and set ablaze. The victims sustained serious burns but managed to escape from the well. Inspector Jamanka said the suspects also attempted to drown their victims in a nearby river but were rescued by the police. The suspects are in custody and awaiting trial.

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President Adama Barrow says he will not tolerate corruption

President Adama Barrow told his new cabinet that he would not tolerate corruption, and said strict measures will be taken to implement the anti-corruption law. President Barrow was speaking at the swearing-in of cabinet ministers at statehouse. He warned ministers that the challenges that lie ahead would be complicated at a time when Gambians want the Government to be held accountable in an era of more informed citizens and more politically active. He acknowledged that Gambians have uncensored freedom of expression, association, and participation in national issues, and are determined to fight corruption. Reform programmes and efforts to unite the people for justice and reconciliation were slowed down, he added. President Barrow cited individual interests and political party loyalty as reasons for poor performance and progress in public service. He said that the state of affairs must change and stressed that competence, timely delivery of service, and output must prevail over everything else in all Government institutions. Earlier Vice President Alieu badara Joof thanked President Barrow for the appointments and urged the cabinet to work as a team to achieve the country’s development aspirations of the country. He singled out the high cost of living and security concerns as areas that need urgent attention. Mr. Joof stressed that this new cabinet cannot afford to fail under any circumstance. 

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New cabinet swears in

The new cabinet take oaths of office and allegiance before President Adama Barrow.

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FIRE OUTBREAK DESTROYS FAMILY HOME IN BRIKAMA

A devastating fire outbreak destroyed a four-room apartment block in Brikama 'Nyambai' belonging to the Sanyang Kunda family on Monday afternoon. Sulayman Sanyang the landlord said about 50 thousand dalasi cash and all the furniture and clothes in the rooms were burnt to ash. Victims solicit support from the government and philanthropists to quickly repair their buildings. "We are left with no shelter, so am calling on the government and everyone to help us so we and renovate our house and move back there as soon as possible," Sulayman Sanyang said. The landlord claimed that the fire was caused by an electric surge. Everything in this Sanyang Kunda family house is completely destroyed  

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Gambia and Senegal launch a joint cross-border Insecticide-treated bed net distribution campaign

The Minister of Health Dr. Ahmadou Lamin  Samateh and his Senegalese counterpart, Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr on Sunday presided over the launch of a joint cross-border bed net distribution campaign. The event was held in Karang Senegal and is part of efforts to curb Malaria infections in the Senegambia region. The initiative would provide over two million bed nets for people in the Gambia and fourteen million in Senegal. The National Malaria Control Programme and the Catholic Relief Services will embark on a nationwide distribution of the bed nets. Speaking at a grand ceremony in Karang, the Minister of Health Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said the initiative is part of the two governments' commitment to eliminate malaria in the Senegambia region by 2030. The Gambia according to the Health Minister has made significant gains in reducing malaria infections. The Senegalese Minister of Health Abdoulaye Joof Sarr joined his Gambian counterpart to advise beneficiaries to make the best use of the bed nets saying the initiative is crucial in the fight against Malaria. Baba Balajo of the Catholic Relief Services said CRS will continue to provide long-lasting Insecticide-treated Bed nets to people at risk of malaria. Beneficiaries thanked the two governments and their partners for their relentless efforts in the fight against Malaria. According to the WHO, over six hundred thousand people died of malaria in 2020, and 95 percent of these deaths were in the Africa region. The report also indicated that more than two-thirds of the figure occurred in children less than five years.

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UNESCO and NCAC celebrate African world Heritage Day

The Gambia National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture on Thursday organized a joint press briefing in Banjul as part of commemoration activities marking African World Heritage Day. May 5th is set aside by UNESCO to celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of Africa.  This year’s celebration is held on the theme "African Heritage as a source for humanity, Innovation, and Resilience,”. The Senior Program Officer at the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO Lamin Jarjou told journalists that African world Heritage Day provides an opportunity for people around the world, particularly Africans, to celebrate the continent's unique cultural and natural heritage and as well raise awareness of the immense potential of the African culture. Mr. Jarjou also said the day will be celebrated with a series of community and school engagement activities aimed at sensitizing the public on the significance of UNESCO world heritage sites in The Gambia. The Deputy Director of Museums and monuments at the National Centre for Arts and Culture Mamat Salalah discussed the importance of World Heritage in peacebuilding and development. UNESCO and NCAC representatives call for concerted efforts in protecting and promoting World Heritage sites in the Gambia and on the African continent amid threats, such as climate change, uncontrolled development, poaching, civil unrest, and instability.     

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Gambia allocated Nine hundred and five for hajj 2022

The National Hajj Commission has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved Hajj for International Pilgrims this year but with limitations.  In a press release, the commission stated that the quota allocated to the Gambia is nine hundred and five (905) pilgrims. The commission advises intending pilgrims who paid a deposit to contact their agents for necessary advice and guidance as soon as possible. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Saudi authorities restrict intending pilgrims over the age of sixty-five from traveling. Intending pilgrims are also required to produce a COVID 19 and yellow fever vaccination cards. A negative PCR test within72 hours before arrival to the Kingdom is also a requirement. 

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THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH STRIVES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

The ministry of health on Thursday inaugurated the board of directors of the national health insurance scheme authority. The board is headed by Doctor Melville O. George. Speaking at the event the minister for health doctor Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said this move is long conceived by the government. The scheme is set to pay for the health services bills of a person who receives health care within the minimum benefit package from a health care services provider contracted under the scheme among other vital areas.  The health minister said this has been a key priority of the Barrow government. The National Health Insurance Scheme Bill 2021 has been passed by the National Assembly. The Scheme if available, will reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on the health of communities.  Authorities say the World Bank and the Gambia government will put the needful in place for the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme  

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Dembo Santang Bojang passes away

The death has been announced of the Head Alkalo of Brikama, Dembo Santang Bojang. The late Alkalo, a former Police Chief, has also served as the Chief of Kombo Central. May his soul rest in peace.

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President Barrow appoints new cabinet

Press Release: Appointment of New Cabinet May 4th, 2022 The public is hereby informed that his Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia, acting under sections 70 (5) (a) and 71(4) (b) of the Republic of the Gambia, hereby relieves Her Excellency the Vice President and all ministers in the cabinet from their positions with immediate effect. His Excellency the president thanks them for their service to the nation and wishes them the best in their future endeavors. The public is further informed that His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia acting on under sections 70(3) and 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia is pleased to make the following appointments to his cabinet, with effect from Wednesday 4th of May 2022. 1. Vice president   Mr. Badara Alieu Joof2. Attorney General and Minister of Justice  Mr. Dawda A. Jallow 3. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara4. Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mr. Seedy Keita5. Minister of Defence   Serign Modou Njie 6. Minister of Interior    Mr. Seyaka Sonko 7. Minister of Tourism and Culture   Mr. Hamat N.K Bah 8. Minister of Lands and Regional Government and Religious Affairs Mr. Abba Sanyang 9. Minister of Agriculture     Dr. Demba Sabally10. Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure Mr. Ebrima Sillah11. Minister of Health    Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh 12. Minister of Basic and Secondary Education   Mrs. Claudiana Cole 13. Minister of Gender Children and Social Welfare   Mrs. Fatou Kinteh 14. Minister of Petroleum and Energy Mr. Abdoulie Jobe 15. Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources   Mr. Musa S. Drammeh 16. Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology Prof Pierre Gomez17. Minister of Environment Climate Change and Natural Resources Rohey John Manjang18.  Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Bakary Badgie Honourable Seedy Keita will continue to oversee the ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment until the formalisation of the appointment of the minister-designate. His Excellency the President acting under section 71 (1) of the constitution has created a new ministerial portfolio in charge of the public service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery. The new minister of the public service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery will have general oversight over the public service and shall work towards the formulation of policy geared towards institutionalising a culture of discipline, excellence, and accountability in the public service. Furthermore, the minister shall continuously review the inner workings of the administrative machinery of the government and make proposals for reform to reduce inefficiency and increase output. Finally, the minister shall be charged with developing frameworks for monitoring the implementation of government policy and for ensuring effective communication and horizontal coordination between ministries. Accordingly, and acting under section 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, his Excellency, the President is pleased to appoint Mr. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof as minister in charge of the Public Service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery with effect from the 4th of May 2022. In light of the new changes, His Excellency the President hereby makes the following administrative changes to the public service and the office of the president. 1. With effect from the 4th of May 2022, the Secretary-General and Head of the civil service shall be the titular head of the personnel Management Office with the sole mandate of supervising the civil service and answerable to the minister. His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Mrs. Salimata E.T Touray as Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service in accordance with section 168 subsection 1 of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, 1997. 2. Furthermore, the role of the Secretary-General as the administrative head of the office of the president shall be taken over by the Chief of Staff who shall be appointed by the President. His Excellency is therefore pleased to appoint Mr. Mod Ceesay as Chief of Staff. All correspondences for the President shall henceforth be addressed to the chief of staff. 3. Furthermore, his Excellency, the president has decided to decouple the ministry of information and communication infrastructure (MoICI) into two separate ministries namely (!) Ministry of Information and Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy. The existing departments and their manpower under the old MoICI will now stand as sector-specific departments. In this regard:1) The Department of Information Services will now serve as the technical arm of the government charged with the implementation of policy initiatives for visibility, public relations, and access to information under the new ministry of information. Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) will continue to be the media conduit for the dissemination of information and public programming. 2) The Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under the old MoICI will be transformed into a stand-alone department under the new ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, with the primary objective of increasing internet access and driving innovation geared towards unlocking new pathways for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation, and technological advancement. These departmental structures already exist under the old MoICI with the necessary manpower, and under separate budget headings. Accordingly, and acting under section 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Lamin Queen Jammeh as Minister of Information. Honourable Ebrima Sillah will continue to oversee the new Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy until the formalisation of the appointment of the minister-designate.  

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The composition of President Barrow's new cabinet will be disclosed in a special GRTS broadcast at 6pm today.

The composition of President Barrow's new cabinet will be disclosed in a special GRTS broadcast at 6pm today.

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UK Human Rights Ambassador Hails Gambia’s Successful Democratic Transition

The British Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French was on Wednesday at statehouse to discuss with President Adama Barrow the Gambia's human rights situation. Ambassador French lauded the government's commitment to respect for the rights of the people and the promotion of democracy in The Gambia. She praised The Gambia’s successful transition to democratic governance since 2017 and noted noted the vibrancy of civil society organisations.

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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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