By Ishmael Zay-Bangura
Freetown, 31st August, 2026 – The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has rolled out 5000 Smart Goods and Services Tax (GST) devices across Freetown, aimed at enhancing tax collections and modernising the digital logging of commercial transactions.
This initiative is designed to work alongside the current Electronic Cash Register machines. The new machines are expected to ensure record maintenance, boost voluntary compliance with tax rules, increase operational fairness, and curb state revenue losses.
Speaking at the distribution, which took place at various shops in Freetown on 31st August, Commissioner General of NRA, Abu Martin Kanneh, emphasised that the scheme would play a vital role in minimising middlemen among customers, business owners, and tax enforcement officers.
“These Smart GST devices will serve both the private sector and the state by encouraging data sharing, reinforcing regulatory compliance, and strengthening public trust in the system,” he remarked. He also revealed that the total GST machines is supposed to be 10,000 with the remaining 5,000 to arrive in late September.
Kanneh appealed to journalists and media houses to drive public messaging, urging buyers to demand GST receipts for any taxable purchases.
A businessman named Shaytan, whose enterprise was among the first to receive the Electronic Cash Register machines, noted that the new technology would enable smoother data-sharing with the NRA while fostering more effective engagement with customers.
NRA will maintain ongoing awareness campaigns and technical assistance throughout the implementation phase. All registered entities are reminded to operate the machines correctly and issue valid receipts for every taxable sale, while consumers should equally make it a habit to request receipts.
