Takoradi CEPS exceeds revenue target for 2004.

Takoradi, Jan. 16, GNA - The Takoradi Sector of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) exceeded its revenue target of 700 billion cedis by 33.78 billion cedis or 4.8 per cent during its operations in 2004.

The impressive performance of the sector is largely attributed to the introduction of the Ghana Community Net System (GC-Net), which has enhanced efficiency and also commitment, dedication and hard work of personnel of the Service.

Mr George Nsiah, Sector Commander made these known at Takoradi during the end-of-year party and awards night for the staff of the Service at the weekend.

Since the introduction of the GC-Net system, the operations of CEPS at the various ports, which was described as cumbersome, bureaucratic, unfriendly and unproductive, "is now a thing of the past", he said. Mr Nsiah said clearing of goods, which previously took many days or weeks to complete, now takes less than a day to clear, because the GC-Net system has come to simplify CEPS operations and eliminated artificial barriers and obstacles to trade facilitation.

The Takoradi Sector Commander advised traders and other stakeholders to refrain from doing business through "dubious third parties", adding, "Our methods are now user-friendly provided you have genuine documents for genuine business".

Mr Nsiah commended the Government for the efforts being made to motivate personnel of the Service through the provision of residential accommodation and vehicles to enhance their work. Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive, who chaired the function said the Government would continue to adopt measures that would motivate workers to give of their best. He urged personnel of the revenue agencies to redouble their efforts to increase revenue collection to the Government to enable it to provide more infrastructure facilities to improve standard of living in the country.

Mr Alorchie Apetor, Chief Collector at the Takoradi Port, Mrs. Rebecca Forson, member of the senior staff and Mr George Asante, a junior staff, who were adjudged best workers for the year were honoured at the function.