Marking a landmark step toward enhancing tax compliance and digitizing financial reporting, the National Revenue Authority (NRA) commenced the installation of advanced Electronic Cash Registers (ECRs) on June 18, 2025, across businesses registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rollout began with companies in the construction and electronics sectors, signaling a pivotal phase in the Authority’s drive to modernize tax collection and streamline retail transaction systems.
The initiative, spearheaded by NRA Commissioner General, Jeneba J. Bangura, alongside Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Department James B. Tengebeh and Deputy Commissioner, Edwin E. Conteh, is designed to ensure accurate sales reporting and curb tax evasion. The ECRs feature real-time data capture and enhanced tracking capabilities, enabling businesses to record transactions transparently and efficiently.
Prior to installation, business owners and their staff received comprehensive training on operating the new devices. “This is a pivotal step towards digitizing our economy and ensuring that all businesses contribute their fair share to national revenue,” said Jeneba J. Bangura. She emphasized that the system aims to make business transactions easier while reinforcing accountability in the tax system.
Business owners have responded positively to the reform. Zakharia Khoury of Khoury Building Materials described the new cash registers as a “game changer,” noting improved efficiency in sales recording. Aman Rupani of Raju’s Electrical echoed this sentiment, thanking the Commissioner General and her team for driving automation in revenue reforms and reaffirming his business’s commitment to compliance.
The NRA further demonstrated its commitment to public accountability by actively participating in the Presidential Town Hall Meeting held on June 17, 2025, in Kenema District. Organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), the forum brought together hundreds of residents for a direct dialogue with His Excellency the President on governance, economic development and national priorities.
Representing the Commissioner General, Deputy Commissioner General 1, Ann-Marie Baby Harding, led the NRA delegation. She reiterated the Authority’s critical role in strengthening public financial management and promoting tax education across all sectors of society.
At the event, the NRA set up an outreach booth that distributed a wide range of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials. NRA staff engaged directly with the public, responding to inquiries, clarifying compliance procedures and providing guidance on accessing tax services.
Local traders and entrepreneurs expressed appreciation for the face-to-face engagement, describing it as a rare opportunity to understand their tax obligations and interact directly with officials. Community leaders also lauded the NRA’s participation, noting it as a meaningful effort to bridge the information gap between rural citizens and state institutions.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, acknowledged the NRA’s steadfast support and underscored the agency’s essential role in ensuring sustainable Government service delivery through effective domestic revenue mobilization.
The town hall concluded with the Chief Minister, other Ministers, and heads of Government agencies engaging with NRA representatives; further highlighting the agency’s central place in the nation’s development strategy.
The NRA has pledged to expand its tax education efforts nationwide, deepen public trust and strengthen voluntary compliance as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s growth and governance reforms.
