By Ndey Sowe
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has expressed confidence that the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) will usher in a new era of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the country’s tax administration once officially launched.
“It will reduce compliance burden on taxpayers, minimize opportunities for fraud and corruption, and ultimately enhance domestic revenue mobilization for the continued development of our nation,” said Essa Jallow, Deputy Commissioner General of GRA, during the opening of a sensitization workshop for the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agencies.
ITAS is a secure, web-based platform designed to transform the way taxes are collected in The Gambia. The system represents not just an upgrade of the existing structure but a complete overhaul that shifts core tax services online. Through ITAS, taxpayers will be able to conduct e-registration of new taxpayers, e-filing of tax returns, e-payment via multiple secure channels, and e-funds processing for refunds more efficiently and promptly.
Mr. Jallow noted that the introduction of ITAS will drastically reduce the time and effort required to comply with tax obligations. “It will enhance transparency, minimize human error, and provide a clear digital footprint for all transactions. This is the future of tax administration—a future that is digital, efficient, and built on the principles of service, transparency, and integrity,” he said.
He emphasized that the system’s success will rely on people as much as technology. “We are fully aware that the success of this system does not rest on the technology alone. It rests on the people who use it. As the primary agents who facilitate trade and tax compliance for most businesses in this country, your understanding, feedback, and ultimate adoption of ITAS are paramount to its success,” Mr. Jallow told participants.
He further underscored the role of clearing and forwarding agents as a crucial link between importers, businesses, and GRA. Their training, he said, is indispensable given their awareness of customs and tax processes, as well as the technologies that support them.
Highlighting GRA’s broader reform efforts, Mr. Jallow added, “For many years, the Gambia Revenue Authority has been on a journey of transformation. A journey to modernize our tax and customs processes, to enhance efficiency, and to foster a culture of voluntary tax compliance.” He urged agents to embrace ITAS, noting that it has the potential to improve fairness and efficiency in taxation while strengthening client services.
Also addressing the forum, Samba Sallah, Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Functions and ITAS Project Manager, acknowledged the critical role clearing and forwarding agencies play in the country’s economic and fiscal landscape.
“For ITAS to be a resounding success, we need the buy-in and active participation of all our stakeholders. As clearing and forwarding agents and part of the business community, you are among our most critical partners in this endeavor. You are the trusted advisors to businesses and individuals,” Mr. Sallah said.
He encouraged participants to engage actively in the sensitization sessions. “This workshop is not just a passive learning session but a collaborative platform where we can exchange ideas and strategies that will enable us to adapt effectively to these changes,” he concluded.
