Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Representatives from the Association of Gambian Manufacturers (AGM) left a meeting with the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday, determined to continue their boycott in response to the new digital tax stamp requirement. Despite Ousman Bah, GRA’s corporate affairs manager, describing the engagement as fruitful, the water and beverage firms expressed strong opposition to the measure.

The manufacturers argued that the GRA’s mandate to attach digital tax stamps to their products would significantly raise operating expenses, adversely affecting their profitability and that of their customers. They highlighted the potential loss of competitiveness in the market due to increased costs, which could lead to a decrease in sales and overall profitability. Additionally, the manufacturers voiced concerns about the impact on consumers, as the higher expenses would likely be passed on through increased prices.

“Millions of Dalasi are at stake in this discussion,” stated one AGM member. “It is not viable for them to simply want to shift the costs onto us. For this reason, we have chosen to keep up our strike until they reverse their decision.”

The GRA, however, maintains that the digital tax stamp is essential for curbing tax evasion and improving revenue collection. While the authority understands the financial burden on business owners, it insists on the necessity of compliance for better revenue mobilization. The GRA remains open to dialogue, recognizing the manufacturers as a significant part of the tax community, and aims to find a mutually agreeable solution.

In the meantime, the manufacturers have vowed to keep their factories closed until a satisfactory resolution is reached, urging the GRA to reconsider its stance on the digital tax stamp requirement.