Western Regional Minister describes Custom Service as lifeline of Ghana's economy

The Western Regional Minister, Hon Joseph Nelson, has acknowledged the arduous responsibility placed on Custom Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to sustain and continue to improve generation in the country.

According to the Minister, CEPS as an institution is the lifeline of the Ghanaian economy and therefore must function to the expectation of government to justify their mandate service being rendered to the country.

Hon. Joseph Nelson was addressing staff and senior officers of CEPS in Takoradi, as part of his familiarization tour being carried out to establish acquaintances with the various security commands in the Western Region.

He said he had an insight into the operations and general overview about the activities and operations of the command.

He commended the CEPS command for the services being rendered to the nation.

He said the critical role being played by the service drives the country's economy and ought to be enhanced.

"You are the lifeline of our economy" the Minister underscored.

On revenue mobilisation, Hon. Joseph Nelson inspired the command to do more to improve revenue generation "There is a big room for improvement"

He said the main purpose of his visit to the service command had been achieved following the acquisition of all the revenue information required to guide his administration

In terms of their operations in Takoradi, the Minister appealed to the command to widen the scope of their operations "There is still a lot to be done"

He added "It takes the services and commitment to do more to raise revenue. We all must recommit ourselves to our mandate. Essentially that is why we are all here"

Hon. Joseph Nelson, said "Western Region itself will also see progress once there is an improvement in service delivery"

He said all challenges facing the country and precisely Western Region cannot be addressed without revenue "Its all about revenue, it's all about funding "

Consequently, he appealed to the command to intensify their activities and raise the bar with revenue generation "Let's begin to put in extra efforts"

He assured the command of his determination to engage authorities of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to collaborate with them to implement policies and programmes necessary to advance operations "we will meet with port authorities" to address these challenges. Anything to enhance revenue collection, we will assist you"

At the end, he said it not only government that would be proud but "Mother Ghana will be better for it "

The sector commander in charge of Western and Central, Assistant Commissioner Walter Blankson, who briefed the Minister about their presence, operations and challenges revealed that following increasing surveillance and tactful operations, the command exceeded its target last year and hope to do more.

According to him, instead of 1.381 billion Ghana cedis, the command recorded 1.437 billion Ghana cedis.

With staff strength of 118 and 120 operational assistants including NABCO inturns, he said the command line of duty has been very functional

He said the operational line starts from Mile 32, all the way to Winneba junction, making the command the Western and Central Regional wing.

In terms of port operations, the command, he explained has been working assiduously to make the Takoradi attractive despite its current state of being an export based port with goods coming in mainly being concessionary basis

"We are trying to make Takoradi Port so attractive, and therefore we need your support"

In line with this, he said home consumption importers can also enhance their activities

Aside that, the commander mentioned that transit trade at the port which is necessary can also be enhanced.

Last year for instance, the sector command , he revealed attracted 50 tonner bagged rice that headed to Burkina Faso as part of the transit trade

The Takoradi port, he announced will be ready for incoming transit trade this year after experiencing the transit trade last year with minor challenges where Dock workers had to be imported from Tema to assist the command

Challenges

He appealed to the Regional Minister to impress upon authorities of GPHA to construct more warehouses and sheds.

"We need GPHA to get us designated Transit shells or warehouses for Transit trade"

He assured the Minister of their loyalty and commitment to serve him as the Chairman of Regional Security Council REGSEC.

"We pledge our unflinching support.We are solidly behind you"

Rtd. Brigadier General Musah Whajah, Western Region National Security Liason Officer and other senior officers of the Western Regional Coordinating Council accompanied the Minister.