Takoradi, Jan. 16, GNA - The introduction of the Ghana Community-Net (GC-Net) system at the country's ports and other entry points has greatly changed the cumbersome procedures that in the past, gave poor impression about the operations of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), a senior official of the Service has observed.

Mr. George Nsiah, Takoradi Sector Commander of the Service, said the system has succeeded in eliminating artificial barriers to trade facilitation, while ensuring uniform application of regulations to ensure maximum revenue protection to make Ghana the hub for trade and investment in the sub-region.

The Sector Commander was speaking at an end-of-year party and awards night for personnel of the Service at Takoradi on Friday. Mr. Nsiah said the introduction of the GCNet and other measures instituted to motivate personnel have yielded positive results, resulting in the Sector exceeding its revenue projection of 700 Billion Cedis by 4.8 per cent.

He said a corporate plan was being adopted to improve public perception of CEPS personnel and also intensify education of traders on procedural structures of the Service.

Mr. Nsiah commended the Government for providing residential accommodation for CEPS officers and additional vehicles to augment the Sector's fleet.

Mr. Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive, commended personnel of the CEPS in the region for their hard work.

He said the Government would continue to provide facilities and incentives to workers to enable them to give of their best and urged personnel of CEPS to rededicate themselves to the task of improving revenue collection.

Three CEPS officials - Mr. George Asante, Mr. Alorchie Apetor and Mrs Rebecca Forson - were awarded at the function for their outstanding performance.