Accra, Jan. 14, GNA- The Kotoka International Airport (KIA) branch of the Customs Excise and Preventive Services(CEPS), collected a total revenue of 946,067,961.90 billion cedis for the year 2007. This was against a target of 903.23 billion cedis, creating a difference of about five percent.

This was disclosed by Assistant Commissioner of CEPS, John K Oklu, Commander of the KIA collection, during the end-of-year get-together and awards night of the collection. Mr Oklu noted that the year's achievement was the result of the hardwork of officers, saying, "the high level of discipline and dedication to duty, effective supervision and team work, vigilance and adoption of effective revenue mobilization strategies contributed immensely towards this achievement."

He urged members of the sector not to be swollen headed since the task ahead was more challenging. "we must remain focused and place the interest of the Service and the nation above all parochial considerations." Touching on other areas of achievement, the sector commander said 15.2 killogrammes of cocaine, three killogrammes of cannabis and 15 killogrammes of marijuana were intercepted during the year 2007.

He commended the officers for their achievement and encouraged them to work harder in the coming year. Whilst acknowledging management for their efforts towards improving upon the plight of staff, Mr Oklu said the sector was faced by setbacks such as inadequate staffing, old office equipment and inadequate training programmes.

He appealed to management to address these issues in order to enhance and improve upon the various duties performed at the sector. Mr. Oklu expressed gratitude to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Aviance, GCNET, Ghana Commercial Bank, ECOBANK and other companies that had a working relationship with the KIA collection of CEPS. He said he hoped for even better working relations in the coming years.

A number of officers received gifts for their hardwork during the year 2007. Ms. Kafui Modey received a 14-inch colour television set for being the best Senior Officer whilst Ali Imoro Sama also received a 14-inch colour television set for being the best Junior Officer.