Tema, Jan. 24, GNA - The Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in Tema has collected GH¢1.17 billion in 2008, exceeding its revenue target of GH¢1.05 billion.

The Collection Point described as the 'bread basket' was charged to collect about 80 percent of the entire revenue allocated to the Service and about 40 percent of the national revenue which created a big challenge for the sector.

This means that the Service exceeded its target by seven percent, Alhaji Mohammed Nasirudeen, Tema Sector Commander announced at an awards ceremony held for its staff in Tema at the weekend.

He said the 2008 performance exceeded that of 2007 by GH¢288,534,360.81 showing an increase of about 32 percent over that of last year.

"This great feat was achieved no doubt, through our resolve to die a little for the Service and for mother Ghana". The Sector Commander indicated that the achievement is more spectacular considering the removal of duties and taxes on some items like rice, wheat, industrial vegetable oil among others, which were offered without any corresponding adjustment in the target set. He however, expressed management's preparedness to provide a conducive and peaceful environment to enable the staff work to the satisfaction of customers and stakeholders. Alhaji Nasirudeen complained that the Service is faced with challenges like the activities of some unscrupulous importers and agent, who hamper their efforts of making the clearing procedures smoother and simpler.

He warned those involved to cease forthwith as the law would deal ruthlessly with them when caught.

In an address, the Commissioner of CEPS, Mr Emmanuel Doku congratulated the staff on their achievement, saying that, in spite of the setbacks in the world food and global crisis, which culminated in the downward review of tariffs on petroleum products and some food items, they excelled in their area.

'Your gain is a gain for the Service and your loss is our loss," he said, adding that the attainment of the global revenue target of the Service is heavily dependent on the performance of Tema. According to the Commissioner the attainment of the set target propelled the Service to exceed its national revenue target for the 2008, pointing out that CEPS was tasked to collect GH¢1,927.40 billion and the revenue mobilized totalled GH¢1,927.40 billion representing 0.57 positive variance.

He assured the management and staff that they would pursue programmes that would enhance good working environment for increased productivity. Staffs that excelled in their areas were given awards ranging from certificates and carvings, with the overall best junior staff awards going to Mr Emmanuel Amo, with Mr Yakubu Seidu taking that of the Senior staff, while retirees were also presented with parting parcels.