By Mustapha Jallow
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is beefing up to fight corruption after establishing a new website through a Gambian company called “Forté Innovations” to help the authority protect the public from fraud, according to GRA in a release.
“A lot of things that would have required driving a car or trying to make a physical appearance, now, within a click of a button, you can do all that without talking to any GRA staff. It has given us a new platform to interact with the public – notices, new developments, and reforms we are planning. This is a big win for GRA, and it’s a huge value addition for us in terms of our work,” remarked Mr Essa Jallow, Deputy Commissioner General and Head of the Tax Department at Gambia Revenue Authority.
GRA’s new website is the first of its kind in the country. The site includes accessibility tools, staff ID verification, tax calculators, FAQs on domestic and custom taxes, a resources center, and GRA TV. Following a public tendering, Gambian firm Forté Innovations was awarded the website contract. Mr Jallow added that what necessitated the new website was based on an absolute need to serve our customer base. He said it was a critical element absent in our service delivery. Forté Innovations has delivered above our expectations. It’s next-to-none, modern, cutting-edge technology. “I’m sure the public will appreciate this very much regarding the range of services we have put there. The ability to interact in a very seamless, less time-consuming manner,’’ he stated.
The website also features a ground-breaking component that allows the public to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a GRA employee. There have been instances of individuals taking money from businesses as ‘tax payments’ when, in fact, they were defrauding these companies. According to Mr Jallow, this will enable GRA to “bring more security around our work, and also protect our taxpayers, in terms of making sure that they are dealing with the right people.”
Malang M. Touray, Executive Director of Forté, also said the web application is 100% Gambian and is a testament to the fact that they, as Gambians, can drive their national development. It’s designed to be inclusive – it’s the first government website that has accessibility tools – making it easier for persons with disabilities to access information and online services. “It’s also available in multiple languages. In the future, you’ll be able to pay your taxes and file your returns online, too. We are excited about how this website can impact GRA’s work and the public. We thank GRA for trusting that Gambian companies can develop the best solutions to our challenges.”
