By Ndey Sowe
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, convened a validation workshop on the draft Taxpayer Charter 2025 (2nd edition)—a document designed to strengthen fairness, transparency, and accountability in the country’s tax system.
The charter, financed by the World Bank, clearly defines the rights and obligations of taxpayers, including the right to clarity on tax laws and procedures, the right to fair treatment, and the right to appeal tax decisions. It equally emphasizes taxpayers’ responsibilities such as compliance with tax laws, accurate record keeping, and timely payment of taxes.
Speaking at the event, Yankuba Darboe, Commissioner General of GRA, described the charter as “much more than a document,” calling it a social contract between the Authority and citizens.
“It serves as a bridge of trust between the revenue authority and the citizens we serve. This charter clearly outlines your rights and obligations. It sets the standards of service you can expect from us and provides clear avenues for redress when those standards are not met,” CG Darboe said.
He added that building taxpayer trust is central to compliance:
“We believe that a well-informed taxpayer, who understands their rights and trusts the fairness of the system, is more likely to comply willingly. This charter is the cornerstone of that belief. It is our promise of professionalism, transparency, confidentiality, and impartiality in all our dealings.”
Darboe stressed that the charter must be shaped by the public and not only within GRA:
“The document cannot be perfected in isolation. We are confident that the 2025 Taxpayer Charter will serve as a strong framework for cooperation, compliance, and trust between taxpayers and the Authority.”
Representing the Ministry of Finance, Alagie Jallow, Director of Revenue and Tax Policy, said the charter reflects a new spirit of trust and fairness.
“We have to move away from a culture of fear and coercion towards building a culture of trust, responsibility, and shared objectives. Therefore, the Taxpayer Charter is a promise that every taxpayer will be treated with dignity, fairness, transparency, and accountability,” Jallow stated.
Echoing similar sentiments, Essa Jallow, Deputy Commissioner General and Head of Domestic Taxes, said the Authority is seeking a balance between enforcement and taxpayer service.
“This is why GRA is continuously investing in technology and staff capacity to fulfill this aspiration. Our collective exchange of ideas is essential in ensuring that the Charter reflects the needs and expectations of taxpayers and the general public at large,” he said.
For his part, Samba Sallah, Samba Sallah is the Deputy Director Headquarter Function and ITAS Project Manager, described the charter as a memorandum of understanding between GRA and taxpayers.
