New CEPS Commissioner assumes office

Accra, July 28, GNA - Mr Emmanuel Nmashie Doku, the new Commissioner for Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), on Friday assumed office with a promise to take measures to improve the performance of the organization.

Mr Doku, 57, said even though revenue collection had increased over the past years, the situation changed considerable last year with CEPS not being able to meet its targets.

Speaking after the outgoing Commissioner, Major-General Richardson Baiden handed over the reins of authority to him at a quiet ceremony at the CEPS Headquarters in Accra, Mr Doku noted that the situation had not improved and that to date, monthly revenue collections had been below target.

Mr Doku conceded that the non-achievement of the target was due to leakages and attempts had been made to identify the reasons or sources of the leakages.

Among the sources of leakages are an inefficient destination inspection system; ineffective escort system for transit transactions; ineffective communications exchange with stakeholders and the non-deployment of the Ghana Community Network (GCNet) and the Ghana Customs Management System (GCMS) at all customs sites. Mr Doku said that the solution to the problems in revenue leakages partly lay in fully automating all business processes.

He noted that although the classification and valuation of goods were core business functions of CEPS, some of the problems it was experiencing with the destination inspection companies could be resolved by connecting them to the GCNet.

Mr Doku said problems created by escorts in the transit system could also be resolved by installing modern electronic tracking methods and GCNet connectivity at all intervening stations along the transit routes.

He said improving communications and exchange of information with stakeholders would be resolved by connecting them o the GCNet. Mr Doku said future policy measures would be directed towards accelerating and fully supporting these activities to ensure their timely implementation. He added that the initiatives would be vigorously pursued to maximize revenue collection and enhance the image of CEPS while emphasis would be placed on human resource development, training and motivation of staff.

Mr Doku said efforts would be made to provide adequate working tools, congenial working environment as well as incentives and rewards for personnel.

Sanctions would also be applied to serve as deterrent to recalcitrant officers.

Major-General Baiden, who is leaving office after three-and-a-half years, said the change in the CEPS Management was a "change in the right direction", adding that it was time to take a new view of the Service and how the system worked.

"We should learn to accept change without undue emotional distress. We owe it a duty to constantly scan our organizational processes and courageously take measures to improve performance as and when necessary. But we cannot do that if we lack the right structural and mental attitude to redesign CEPS for a better future."

Major-General Baiden said the fact that a serving officer of CEPS was taking over from him was a mark of confidence in the Service by the Government.

"Mr Doku's appointment re-affirms the in-built capacity of CEPS for change and this must be acknowledged.

Major-General Baiden entreated the Management team as well as personnel of the Service to support the new Commissioner. Mr Harry Owusu, Executive Secretary of the Revenue Agencies Governing Board (RAGB), congratulated Major-General Baiden for the manner he handled the affairs of CEPS.

Mr Owusu said the re-shuffle was meant to infuse new life into the customs system to maximize revenue mobilization. He told the new Management Team that acts of dereliction of duty would not be condoned and no one would be spared if he or she was found wanting.

He tasked them to endeavour to meet the aspirations and targets set for CEPS, saying this called for mutual support, understanding, diligence, empathy and a fair comprehension of the issues at stake. 28 July 06