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Business News of Friday, 18 April 2008

Source: GNA

CEPS to re-define relationship with business community

Accra, April 18, GNA - Mr. Emmanuel N. Doku, Commissioner of the Customs

Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), says CEPS was determined to re-define its relationship with the business community.

"We therefore reckon that one of the ways to build an enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our business partners is to carry out regular consultations to discuss issues affecting our operations," he noted.

Mr. Doku said this in Accra on Thursday, when he addressed a forum which was organized by CEPS for its stakeholders at the Kotoka International Airport.

Mr Doku acknowledged that the export and import business was often plagued with a lot of difficulties, adding that, the only opportunity for importers and exporters to raise such issues was during interactive meetings with CEPS.

He urged stakeholders to report customs officers who harassed them for money illegally whilst processing their goods, adding that such erring officers would be dealt with accordingly.

Mr Doku said CEPS had a vision to provide excellent services to its stakeholders and also ensure that it contributed its quota to national development without any hindrance.

Mr. Doku said as a step towards enhancing understanding and collaboration between CEPS and its stakeholders, CEPS was to set up a Joint Consultative Committee with its stakeholders to serve as an interactive platform on operational matters.

He assured all stakeholders that CEPS was putting in measures to ensure that importers and exporters conducted business with as much ease as possible to ensure the smooth clearance of goods at the airport. Mr. Alex Yeboah, Security Coordinator at Aviance, cautioned clearing agents to be sure of goods they exported and their exact content. He said this would prevent them from getting into trouble over exporting illegal items such as illicit drugs.