By Mustapha Jallow
Officials of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and Social Security Housing and Finance Corporation (SSHFC) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster and strengthen working relationships between the two (2) institutions.
The signing, according to officials, was a commitment to collaborate on areas such as data sharing as well to protect the economic interest of the country by exchanging relevant information.
The ceremony, which took place at the GRA head office in Banjul, brought together the management and senior staff of the revenue authority and SSHFC officials.
Speaking before the signing, Saloum Malang, the Managing Director of SSHFC, described the MoU as a public-private partnership for the common good of the country.
“We both have a common interest. GRA had their tax compliance as a challenge, we also have our contributions as a challenge,” he said.
He said sometimes employers would understate the number of their employees and at times understate their salaries.
Saloum Malang said the partnership would help the two institutions with information sharing for the purpose of promoting transparency. He added that there are no penalty charges attached for any of the parties.
“If we work in isolation, we won’t succeed as a nation,” he said.
Yankuba Darboe, the Commissioner General of GRA said the agreement will allow them to leverage each other’s strengths and resources to achieve their shared goals, which are promoting economic growth, ensuring compliance, and uplifting social welfare in The Gambia.
He said the partnership will also foster mutual learning, capacity building, and the sharing of best practices between the two organisations.
Commissioner Darboe said GRA and SSHFC are fully committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability and integrity in all joint endeavours.
“We are confident that this MOU will pave the way for future collaborative projects, initiatives, and capacity building programs,” he said.
Darboe added: “I encourage all stakeholders to remain committed to our shared goals and objectives, working collaboratively to build a stronger partnership for the benefit of The Gambia.”
