The National Revenue Authority (NRA) and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes have on Wednesday 27th March 2024 held a transformative seminar and the launch of the Sierra Leone induction program since its membership in May 2023 at the Freetown City Council. The Seminar aimed at promoting transparency and accountability through increased tax awareness.
The event brought together diverse groups of government officials, tax experts, legal practitioners, financial institutions, tax advisors, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as members of the public to discuss the importance of combatting tax evasion and promoting fair tax practices among member states.
Ibrahim Sorie Kamara, Senior Commissioner, Domestic Tax Department highlighted the opportunities that would be leveraged from the union amongst which are data sharing, combatting tax evasion and avoidance which could translate to increase in domestic tax mobilization. He also stated that participants would have deep knowledge on the latest international standards for exchanging financial information, the benefits of transparency for economic development and the role of citizens in ensuring accountability in tax policies.
Speaking on the mission of Global Forum, Zayda Manata, Head of Secretariat expressed that they intend to create room for experience sharing, insights on International Taxation, fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility.
She further expressed that their current membership strength is 171 countries of which Sierra Leone happens to be the 168th member.
The seminar was climaxed with a declaration of commitments made by the participants to promote transparency and exchange of tax information in the Sierra Leone jurisdiction.