Bolgatanga, Nov 26, GNA - Collection of tax by Upper East Region Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) for the past three years had been impacting positively on the total national revenue. Mr. Evans Klutse, Assistant Commissioner of CEPS and the Sector Commander of Bolgatanga, told newsmen at the weekend that in 2004, the region raked in 17.3 billion cedis, surpassing the target of 14.9 billion cedis.

In 2005 it collected 20.35 billion cedis as against a target of 22 billion cedis and in 2006 the region collected 20.13 billion cedis. Mr. Klutse said the target for this year is 18 billion cedis. He said despite the recent flood that hit the region causing a lot of damage to bridges especially at the boarder towns where CEPS collected much of its revenue it was still anticipated that the service would meet its target revenue. Mr Klutse said CEPS in the region had also made a lot of arrest including seizure of 17.484.25gms of gold in June 2006 at Paga. He said between 2005 and 2006, 135 motorbikes were impounded and later given back to their owners after they had paid duties and penalties. CEPS also impounded 31 unaccustomed vehicles as well as cigarettes and wax prints. 26 Nov 07