Kumasi (Ashanti Region) - Isaac Opoku-Ntiamoah, Commissioner, Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), has warned that his administration would be ruthless with unscrupulous custom officials whose lack of diligence and greed facilitate smuggling.

Rewards would however, be given to those who excel in anti-smuggling duties, Opoku-Ntiamoah told staff of the Service in Kumasi on Tuesday at the start of his five-day tour of Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions. He said his administration expects "nothing else but a new customs officer who will turn on a new posture that is worthy of honour".

The Commissioner told them to see themselves as vital players in the government's drive towards growth and development, adding that, "our roles must be performed in a spirit of dedication and sacrifice towards the national cause, and in an impartial, objective and loyal manner".

He asked them to see problems facing the CEPS in the general context of the issues facing the whole nation, saying, "it is therefore imperative that our attitude must reflect a general effort at solving the situation.''

''With CEPS, our position becomes more crucial since we must perform creditably to not only generate more national revenue but also to hit high levels upon which our retention facility granted by the government would be based".

Opoku-Ntiamoah announced a number of incentives lined up to motivate the staff and enhance efficiency. These include improvement of its infrastructure nationwide, staff training and promotions, introduction of new uniforms and accoutrements, logistics and raising of staff levels.

He announced that recommendations made by the committee set up to look into the issue of out-of-turn promotions and concerns from the staff, have been accepted by the management.

The Commissioner said measures to be taken include retention of some of the affected staff to remain at current grades, reversal of some of the affected staff to previous ranks, that is one or two steps backwards, and withholding and freezing of promotion of some of the staff .