Members of the Network of Financial and Tax Reporters NFTR Gambia Chapter in partnership with stakeholders from the Gambia Revenue Authority and Gambia Bankers Association over the weekend validated 2021 draft Action plan for the said Network at GCCI conference hall.
In his welcome remarks Mr. Abdoulie Nyockeh, the president of the NFTR Gambia chapter said this occasion marked the validation of the NFTR Gambia chapter draft Action plan 2021.
According to him these Validation was organised by the NFTR Gambia chapter in partnership with the Gambia Bankers Association with support from the Gambia Revenue Authority and Gambia Port Authority GPA.
He cited that the Action plans was developed by few members of the Network.
He also stated the purpose of the forum was to come together as journalists and critically look at the draft action plans and make necessary adjustment and input to improve the document. “This action plans will serve as a sense of direction and target that the network want to embarked in 2021”.
The day consultative forum will afford the media an opportunity to know the overall strategic direction of the Network Specifically the vision, mission and values for the next one year as well as accord the possibility to contribute toward improving the draft action plans.
He also gave an overview of the NFTR Gambia chapter and said the network was formed by journalists from various media outlets and platforms in March 2019, and registered on the 10th June 2019 as a non-political network out to compliment the effort of the Tax Authority in the promotion of tax compliance. .
The NFTR was established with the objective of closely working with the Tax Authority to raise awareness campaign for revenue mobilization for the much needed revenue for Government.
He said as the media play a critical role in creating more awareness in advocating for tax payment, thus the objectives of the NFTR is to enhance the competence of Gambian journalists in business, Finance and Taxation reporting and data journalism., to sensitize the general public on the importance of tax and its laws and regulations, To engage the government and private sector to be tax compliance , To enhance a critical understanding among Gambian journalists on the issues of reporting adequately on business, finance and tax news, and to help Gambian journalists familiarise themselves with the activities of GRA, and explain the Authority mandate to the general public
In conclusion Mr Nyockeh commended the Gambia Revenue Authority GRA, Gambia Port Authority GPA, Radville Farm, other individual for supporting these forum without which this forum would have not been possible.
In declaring the forum opened Matty Njie Senghore deputy director tax education Unit at GRA said; considering the important role of the media in our society, The Gambia revenue Authority GRA Is very much appreciative to be associated with this importance validation aimed at soliciting input from the relevant stakeholders and the media with a view of enriching the NFTR draft Action plans document 2021.
The forum therefore provides an opportunity for the participants as journalists to hear your views and add your inputs and contribution to the instrument with the overall objectives of enriching the draft action plan 2021. .
“I have no doubt that with the calibre of stakeholders and journalists gathered in this room to validate this draft Action plan will do justice to the document. “I advise you to look at the draft document critically and add your input and contribution” We at the level of GRA are ready and willing to work with this Network in a bid to improve tax compliance and resources mobilization.
