Aflao, Jan 25, GNA - The Aflao Sector of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) collected Gh¢47,250,930.39 in 2008, 6.52 percent more than that of 2007 of Gh¢44,359,973.82. Mr Emmanuel Impraim, Assistant Commissioner of CEPS, who is the Sector Commander, announced this at an end of year get-together and awards night at the weekend at Aflao.

He said the downward review of taxes and levies by government on imported consumables including rice last year, to mitigate the effects of the rising cost of petroleum products globally on incomes and living standards of Ghanaians, accounted for the lower than anticipated collection levels.

Mr Impraim did not give the 2008 target for the Sector which is made up of the main frontier at Aflao, the entry points at Akanu, Segbe-Juction, Havi and the major highway checkpoint at Dabala Junction.

He said the improvement and expansion in facilities at the Tema Harbour also reduced collections at Aflao as some importers who were using Aflao shifted to the Tema Port. Mr Impraim said additionally, the general election in Ghana created some "wait and see situation among traders," reducing movement of goods across the border during the close of year peak period. He urged personnel to brace their loins, cooperate and share expertise with each other in view of the difficult challenges ahead. He said this was because of the worsening global environment where internal revenue generation would be crucial for development than before.

Mr Impraim asked the workers to "eschew negative behaviours inimical to revenue mobilization" stating that, "smuggling would be seriously confronted at all angles, while valuation and classification of imports would be properly scrutinized to block leakages." The Sector Commander said he expected the rehabilitation of infrastructure going on at the Aflao frontier would enhance the performance of CEPS staff.

Mr Impraim commended CEPS personnel and other border operatives for their hard work that ensured security during the CAN 2008 Tournament which witnessed a massive influx and movement of foreign funds and the challenges it posed. A number of junior and senior officers were awarded for their hard work during the year.