14 July, 2025
Clarification on the Incident involving our staff and Mr Musa Barrow
The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) issues this statement to clarify facts regarding the recent incident involving Gambian international footballer Mr. Musa Barrow, who arrived at Banjul International Airport on July 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM via Turkish Airlines.
As per standard procedure, all arriving passengers undergo mandatory luggage scanning managed by a joint security task force comprising the GRA, Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG), State Intelligence Services (SIS), Food Safety Unit, and Public Health officials. During this process, all five of Mr. Barrow’s suitcases were flagged by the Image Analyst for customs related concerns.
Mr. Barrow did not engage with GRA officials after being informed of the flagged luggage. Instead, his brother and some guys brought the suitcases to Mrs. Anna Jarju, the GRA Shift Supervisor, who was not present during the scanning. Despite requests from officers, Mr. Barrow refused to come forward for inspection. His brother opened the luggage on his behalf, but failed to present invoices or supporting documentation for the contents.
In the absence of proper valuation documents, customs duties were estimated at D15,000 (D2,500 per suitcase) and later reduced to D10,000. Mr. Barrow, through his brother, claimed he could not pay the amount. Following further discussion, GRA officials held a closed-door meeting with Mr. Barrow and conditionally allowed him to leave without payment with stern warning to ensure future compliance.
GRA wishes to emphasize that no one is above the law. All individuals, regardless of status or fame, are subject to the same customs procedures. The Authority commends the professionalism and integrity of its officers, especially Mrs. Anna Jarju, who conducted herself with discipline and in line with standard procedures. CCTV footage, including audio, confirms this.
The GRA also wishes to make it clear that it does not take matters of staff integrity lightly. A dedicated Internal Affairs Unit has been established to investigate and enforce disciplinary actions against any staff member found wanting. The Authority stands firm in its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.
GRA remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and the fair enforcement of national laws. It urges all travelers to cooperate with customs officials to help protect The Gambia’s economy and national security.