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IEC chairman suggests Paper ballot for Elections in the Gambia

The Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Alieu Momarr Njai said the Gambia should abandon the marbles and drums system and migrate to paper ballots. Mr Njai revealed that the IEC spent over two million dalasis on each candidate’s ballot drums in the 2021 Presidential elections. He also hinted that the upcoming National Assembly Elections would incur a similar cost. The IEC chairman said ballot papers are more accurate, cheaper and easy to use. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the start of a training session organised by the commission for civil society actors and the media.

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President Barrow returns from a two day working visit to DRC

The President His Excellency Adam Barrow return's from Kinshasa the Democratic Republic of Congo, after a two working visit. President Barrow was received on arrival by the Ministers of Defense, the Interior and Service chief's. The Gambian Leader told GRTS at the Banjul International airport  that his visit the Democratic Republic of Congo was aimed at enhancing diplomatic and trade connection between the two countries. President Barrow underscored the need to strengthen and enhance diplomatic and trade ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting the presence of a large number of Gambians in that country. Commenting on the steep rise in prices of basic commodities President Barrow said his government will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the sector to stabilize the situation. He used the opportunity to appeal to Gambian's to invest in Agriculture. He said his government has requisite policies and programs to transform the Agricultural sector thereby making it responsive to the food needs of the country. President Barrow also renewed commitments to expand and consolidate bilateral ties between Africa countries to advance trade, peace and development in the continent.Given the Gambia's geographic location, the President indicated that the countries could explore collaboration in aviation transport to make the country a hub in the aviation industry.  

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Thirty two Gambians successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine.

Thirty two Gambians have been successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad announced that the group were sent to four different countries. Out of the 32, twenty-two (22) are in Poland, Eight (8) in Slovakia, 1 in Romania with his Ukrainian wife and child and 1 in Budapest, Hungary. In a statement, MOFA also said the government of the Gambia through its mission in Brussels arranged lodging and means of subsistence for the evacuated Gambians in the four countries. Most of them accepted the offer while a few chose to make private arrangements. The Ministry said the offer remains and can be requested for at anytime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that Government will facilitate the return of the evacuated Gambians if and when they choose to come home.  

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The Gambia and DRC seek new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation

President Adama Barrow says The Gambia wants to enhance diplomatic and trade connections with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Barrow was responding to questions at a joint press briefing during his two day working visit to DRC. With the presence of  a large number of Gambians in the DRC, The Gambian leader noted that the two countriesneed new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation. President Barrow also indicated that the two countries could explore collaboration in aviation transport to make the Gambia an air hub for both West and Central Africa. President Félix-Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO congratulated President Barrow on his election victory and expressed hope that the visit will pave new ground for bilateral collaboration.Earlier, the two leaders held a closed door discussion at  the Palais de la Nation. President  TSHISEKEDI revealed that they talked about tourism, trade, energy, and transport as areas of possible cooperation. Both leaders emphasized commitment to developing and consolidating bilateral ties.

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Speaker bids farewell to Deputies as they prepare for campaign for re election

The Speaker of the National Assembly , Mariam Jack Denton revealed that the national assembly enacted fifty-three Bills from 2017 to February 2022, including the annual Appropriation Acts. Among them were the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2017, Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission Act, 2017, and Constitutional Review Commission Act, 2017. The Speaker was delivering her farewell address at the last plenary Ordinary Session of the National Assembly as deputies embark on campaign for re elections to the Sixth Legislature. Mrs Denton said the fifth legislature made progress on critical issues but was also faced with several challenges. Among the achievements she highlighted was the overhaul of the standing orders bringing them in line with international parliamentary standards and practice. She described the fifth legislature as a pluralised Assembly that transitioned from virtually the dominance of one-political party. The Speaker applauded the performance of the legislative's oversight and accountability functions of the assembly, describing it as exceptional and encouraging in a fledgling democracy. Parliamentary Questions to Hon. Ministers for Oral Answers increased fifteen times compared to the entire period of the fourth Legislature.While the tabling of the Constitution (Promulgation) Bill, 2020 that stalled in parliament was seen as a setback, the speaker was optimistic that government may take the document back to parliament to continue the process of promulgating a new Constitution for our Republic. She also spoke on the unprecedented tabling of three member’s bill two of which were enacted. Only one Member’s Bill was ever introduced and passed in the National Assembly.  

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President Barrow meets Gambians in D.R Congo

The President H.E Adama Barrow has urged The Gambian community in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be united and be worthy ambassadors of their country. President Barrow met with the Gambian community in Kinshasha during his two day working visit. President Barrow thanked the community for the warm welcome accorded to him and urged them to be united and not forget their country of origin. Responding concerns over the difficulty in renewing Gambian documents, The Gambian leader disclosed that government will dispatch immigration officials to various embassies across the world to enable Gambians access Biometric passports.President Barrow informed them that The Gambia has made tremendous progress in the last five years particularly in the areas of infrastructure and energy. He said The Gambia is on course to meeting universal electricity access by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030. He finally informed them that his visit to Congo will impact positively on relations between the two countries, and would benefit Gambians there. He also commended his host President Felix-Antoine Tshsikedi TSHILOMBO for warm hospitality, urging Gambians to be law-abiding and peaceful.The President of the Association of Gambians in the DRC Bouna Batchilly told  President Barrow that the Gambian community is engaged in diverse activities across the two Congos expressing delight in receiving him in Kinshasa. He thanked the President for opening his doors to the community. The Vice President of the association Lamin Barrow said the Gambian community has seen a marked improvement in their fortunes due to what he called the improved security situation in the Congo. The Secretary General of the Association Mustafa Jallow, appeal to government to simplify the process of renewing their passports. The President of the Women's Wing Siandi Bassi also appealed to the President to support the honorary Consul who she said was very helpful to the Gambian community despite the challenges. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gambians abroad praised the Gambians in Congo for turning up under short notice to welcome the Gambian delegation. He assured government support to the honorary Consul who has been tireless in his responsibilities solely on voluntary basis.  

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President Adama Barrow on a two day working visit to The Democratic Republic of Congo for

President Adama Barrow arrived in Kinshasa at the start of a two-day working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The visit is intended to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The Gambian community in Kinshasa gathered early afternoon at the residence of the Honorary Counsel to prepare for the arrival of the President Barrow for his first working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Adama Barrow, proceeded to Ndjili International airport where he was received by the Congolese Minister of Regional Integration Didier Manzengu, the Gambia's High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria also accredited to the Congo Mustapha Njie, and the Consul General in Kinsha Ansumana Tunkara. This is the first visit by a Gambian President to the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is expected to significantly strengthen bilateral relations between Kinshasa and Banjul. President Barrow will meet President Etienne Tshsikedi at the Presidential Palace in Kinshasa where the two sides are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements. The President will also meet the Gambian community in the evening as part of his engagements in the DRC.

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2022 GABECE and WASSCE for the grades 9 and 12 students to go ahead

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) says the 2022 GABECE and WASSCE for the grades 9 and 12 students will be conducted as planned. The Ministry said in a statement that the decision follows a virtual meeting with stakeholders which includes the Ministry of Finance and The West African Examination council. The meeting was said to have amicably resolved the issue of arrears. 

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Ministry of Agriculture launches of the comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis 2021

The Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray on Monday presided over the official launch of the comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis 2021. This is a nationwide and in-depth study of food security and vulnerability in the Gambia.The main objective of the 2021 Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA) is to update the food security and vulnerability situation in The Gambia. The study provides comparative data to enable trend analysis over the past five years. The CFSVA aims to provide information on the areas and population groups, which are most food insecure and malnourished. It gives reasons for food insecurity, and how food or other assistance can make a difference in reducing hunger.The Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray, who is also the Chairperson of the National Food Security Council, said the report will help track progress made towards achieving the sustainable development goal of zero hunger. She also said that the report will serve as a baseline in the country’s articulation of the National Pathways for Food Systems Transformation in support of the 2030 agenda.Seraphine Wakana, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Gambia, said food and nutrition insecurity leads to reduced health and wellbeing, and subsequent drop in household income.The World food program Representative, and country Director in the Gambia, Yasuhiro Tsumura, reveals that staple food prices in the Gambia have increased by 21% since 2016. She attributed food insecurity in the country to global and regional factors including the Covid-19 pandemic. She said the pandemic severely hit the tourism industry that accounts for 20% of the country’s GDP.Hassan Jallow, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the CFSVA 2021 report discovered that 13.4% of the population are food insecure of which under 2% are severely food insecure. Food insecurity in the country he said has increased by 2% in 2016 and 13.4% in 2021. The 2021 analysis was conducted at the height of the Covid-19, resulting in households’ vulnerability. The decline in household incomes, and loss their livelihoods was caused by government’s measures to combat the pandemic.  

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Media Advisory

President Barrow to Embark on Working Visit to DR CongoState House, Banjul, 27th February 2022The Office of the President informs the public that His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, will embark on a two-day working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.The visit will accord the President the opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and bilateral ties between The Gambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.President Barrow and the delegation will leave Banjul International Airport on Monday 28th February at 10:00 am.

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PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW OFFICIALLY INAUGURATES BASSE MARKET

A hundred and twelve million Dalasi market fully funded by the government of the Gambia was officially handed over by President Adama Barrow. The towering edifice in the centre of Basse was over a sixteen month period. The market complex houses two hundred and forty-six (246) vendor shops, two (2) mini-markets, and four (4) sheds with capacity for seventy (70) women vegetable sellers.In his inaugural speech President Barrow said every Gambian should be proud of the facility especially residents of Basse. The governor of URR Samba Bah and the Alkalo of Basse Sellu Bah both expressed delight and thanked the government for building the new market.   

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Gunjur wins Kombo South District Title

Gunjur ended a thirty five year title drought after thwarting the threat of Banyaka with an emphatic 3 – 1 win in the final of the Kombo South District football Championship. Gunjur came from behind with a brace from Sheriffo Bojang and Ousman Janneh put the game beyond reach with a close range shot. Banyaka’s opener came from a beautifully curled free kick by Malick Bojang. The feat was achieved with a remarkable unbeaten run and a squad with an average of 16, all of who were playing the District Championship for the first time. Gunjur also produced the best goalkeeper of the championship and the golden boot winner. Added to the trophy is a 45,000 Dalasi prize money, and winners medals and Banyaka got a 35,000 Dalasi consolation cash prize and medals.   Until this triumph, Gunjur's title drought at the District level stretches back to 1987 when they last won the title with a 2 - 1 win over Jambanjelly in the final at the Gunjur Primary School ground.

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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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