Desist from making demands on travellers - CEPS Officers told

Accra, Oct. 20, GNA - Personnel of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) were on Friday cautioned to stop making demands from travellers and the business community in order not to compromise their role as security officers.

They have also been reminded to perform their duties with professionalism and utmost courtesy, as stipulated in the Service's code of conduct.

Mr Paul Aduborfuor, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Human Resource and Administration of CEPS, gave the warning when interacting with CEPS personnel at the KIA.

He said the warning was necessitated following reports received by the Presidency, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and CEPS Management indicating that officers allegedly demanded items from travellers and the business community. Mr Adubofuor said the reports also indicated that some Officers were employing the services of clearing agents at the cargo terminal to demand favours on their behalf.

He said it was dangerous for personnel to demand such favours because it compromised their role as security officers and allowed people to pass with baggage possibly containing weapons, dangerous drugs and prohibited items.

Mr Adubofuor warned that any personnel caught or reported to have committed any of such offences would be ruthlessly dealt with. He said personnel should be circumspect in the handling of travellers, especially during examination of luggage; and advised that officers wore their nametags and uniforms when on duty for easy identification.

"As we approach Christmas, let us hear good and favourable comments from the business community and the travelling public", he said. Mr Africanus Owusu Ansah, Deputy Commissioner of Preventive, told the personnel that such reports did not augur well for the image of the Service and advised them to lift the image of CEPS. 20 Oct. 06