Bolgatanga, Feb. 1, GNA - The Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in the Upper East Region collected 12.9 billion cedis last year, exceeding the target of 10-billion cedis for 2003 by 29.3 per cent.

Mr Ernest Sasuh, Assistant Commissioner in-charge of the Region, announced this at the staff end-of-year get together in Bolgatanga at the weekend.

He described the performance of the personnel in the Bolgatanga Collection Area as a great achievement considering the "rugged terrain" and numerous constraints they faced.

Mr Sasuh mentioned inadequate office and residential accommodation, transportation, manpower and the lack of effective means of communication as some of the difficulties, but expressed the optimism that with the introduction of the 3 per cent revenue retention at each collection area, these constraints would soon be solved. The Assistant Commissioner reminded them of the Government's high expectation from the Service since the development of the nation depended to a large extent on their ability to hit higher revenue targets.

He gave the assurance that in spite of logistic problems, CEPS officials in the region would diligently continue to facilitate trade between Ghana and her neighbours, maintain security, combat smuggling and collect revenue.

Mr Sasuh cautioned CEPS personnel against drunkenness and other acts of indiscipline, saying, they would only be capable of living up to the responsibilities entrusted them if they cultivated a high sense of discipline, commitment and honesty.

He appealed to the public to co-operate with Customs staff by volunteering information to uproot smuggling, fraud, tax evasion and other activities leading to revenue loss to the nation.

The Regional Minister, Mr Mahami Salifu, commended CEPS personnel for their hard work and said the Government was aware of their problems and was taking measures to provide solutions.

He pointed out that smuggling was still pervasive in the region because it shared borders with the Republics of Togo and Burkina Faso and challenged Customs officials to "plug the loop holes".

The Regional Minister called for closer co-operation between CEPS personnel, the police and other security agencies to combat smuggling. He warned border officials against extortion from travellers and other corrupt practices and said those caught would not be spared. Mr Salifu urged Customs officials and staff of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to work extra hard to generate adequate revenue.

Naba Martin Abilba III, Paramount Chief of the Bolgatanga Traditional Area, reminded CEPS personnel about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and advised them to adopt responsible life-styles.

"Remember that your individual families and the nation need you alive, so be very careful," he said.

Nine personnel of the Service were honoured for their outstanding performances and dedication to duty.