Accra, Jan. 26, GNA - The Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) exceeded its target by 35 per cent last year, bagging a total revenue of GH¢146.365 million. Mr John Kenneth Oklu, Assistant Commissioner of CEPS in-charge of the KIA Collection, said this at the end-of-year get-together and awards night for KIA Customs held at the weekend. The Sector Commander noted that this was an improvement upon the previous year, which saw the target being exceeded by about four per cent.

He commended personnel for the achievement saying, "the high level of discipline and dedication to duty, effective supervision and team work, were factors which contributed to this laudable performance". Mr Oklu said in spite of this great achievement, personnel of the collection needed to avoid becoming complacent since the task ahead was "far greater and more challenging".

Some notable achievements during 2008, which Mr Oklu recalled, were the interception of 597 slabs of cannabis which weighed 1,157 kilograms and the detection of undeclared foreign currencies of 417,300 US dollars, 5,000 pounds, GH¢1,210.00.

Mr Oklu said there was the need for more staff enlistment as well as provision of adequate equipment such as scanners to enhance operational efficiency.

He added that an increase in the imprest level to cope with the cost of running the collection and intensification of training for staff were necessary for better delivery.

He thanked all stakeholders and expressed the hope that the good relations that had existed between CEPS and their stakeholders would be maintained during the New Year.

In a speech read on his behalf, Mr Emmanuel Doku, Commissioner of CEPS, expressed the hope that the team spirit of 2008 would continue in 2009. "Management would continue to improve upon your lot through improved conditions of service such as the introduction of new and better equipment, courses to enhance performance and effectiveness, among others."

He urged CEPS personnel to remain focused on their goal of increased revenue saying, "our challenge in 2009 should be to increase revenue by continuing with strategies for more efficiency". Fifteen CEPS officers were given awards for excellent performance in 2008. Mr Lawrence Anang, Principal Collector, was declared the overall best officer for the Senior Division and Mr. Ishmael Dodoo, Collection Assistant, Gate Four, the best officer for the Junior Division.