Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita has revealed that State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Local Government Councils owe the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) more than D1.23 billion in unpaid taxes.
The revelation was made on Tuesday during the National Assembly’s oral questions and answers session following a question raised by the Member for Wuli East on behalf of the Member for Upper Saloum.
According to Minister Keita, the total amount owed to the GRA by these institutions as at May 2026 was D1,233,586,207. He said the arrears were only in respect of state-owned enterprises and local government authorities.
The two biggest debtors are the country’s two telecommunication companies, with GAMCEL topping the list with D730, 065, 041 tax liabilities, followed by Gamtel with D296, 353, 631, the minister said.
Other state-owned entities with significant arrears include the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Company (D1.4 million) the Gambia Ports Authority (D10 million), Gambia Ferry Services (D55.9 million), National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) (D40 million), Gambia International Airlines (GIA) (over D31 million) and the Gambia Printing and Publishing Corporation (D45.7 million).
Local government councils are also among those that owe outstanding taxes to the GRA. These include Banjul City Council, Janjanbureh Area Council, Kerewan Area Council, Kanifing Municipal Council, Basse Area Council, Brikama Area Council, Kuntaur Area Council, and Mansakonko Area Council, with arrears ranging from D231,017 to D8.7 million.
Addressing a supplementary question on how the GRA recovers unpaid taxes, Minister Keita explained that the Authority initially engages taxpayers and negotiates payment plans to settle outstanding obligations.
“When there is a tax obligation, GRA first engages the taxpayer and agrees on a payment arrangement, and that process is ongoing,” he said.
However, he warned that taxpayers who fail to honour agreed repayment plans may face legal action. Under existing laws, the GRA has the authority to seek court judgments, close businesses, and suspend operations to recover outstanding revenues.
“If a taxpayer defaults, GRA can pursue the matter through the courts. The minister said that following a court order the Authority may close down business operations in accordance with the law.
“The GRA has an enforcement unit and they are responsible for identifying tax evaders and ensuring compliance with tax laws,” Keita said.
He cited a previous case involving GAMCEL, where authorities reportedly considered shutting down the company’s operations due to mounting tax arrears.
“At one point, there were discussions about closing GAMCEL’s operations because of unpaid taxes. These are among the measures available to recover public funds when necessary,” he added.
