Officials of CEPS at Tema harbour impounds goods

Tema, Oct.14, GNA - Officials of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) at the Tema Harbour, have impounded two transit vehicles carrying goods worth 250 million cedis, allegedly being smuggled out of the country.

One of the vehicles was conveying a 40-footer container, while the other was conveying a 20-footer container. Three people, two drivers and a clearing agent have been arrested in connection with the seized goods.

They are Eric Mensah 32 and Kwame Ali 21, both drivers and Ricky Nartey 22, a clearing agent.

Mr Sam Akwasi Yankyera, Assistant Commissioner of CEPS in charge of the Tema Port, briefing newsmen last Thursday said, custom officers on duty at Gate Two intercepted the two vehicles and upon inspection detected that they bore fake transit stickers.

Mr Yankyera said the trucks were detained and a 24-hour surveillance mounted on the goods and following a report made to the National Security, query was issued on the goods.

He said when the containers were opened for inspection, it was detected that customs duty expected to be paid on the goods made up of bicycle parts, men's leather sandals, women's slippers and synthetic leather sandals was in excess.

Mr Yankyera said even though the goods had been valued at 250 million cedis, "we are still looking at the value." He observed that some Ghanaians had taken advantage of transit trade to make the nation lose revenue and said, "we are trying to facilitate trade, but are mindful to collect what is due to the Government."

Mr Yankyera said following the launching of the Compliance Months in August, CEPS would endeavour to assist in the reduction of malfeasance by CEPS officials and importers. He gave the assurance that CEPS and the National Security would ensure stolen goods, which entered the country through the ports, were impounded.