Western Regional Minister urges CEPS officers to generate more revenue for the country

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has met with staff and senior officers of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) in Takoradi.

According to the Minister, the meeting enabled him to gain valuable insights into the Command’s operations and activities.

The Minister commended the CEPS officials for their contributions to the nation, emphasizing the critical role they play in revenue generation.

He encouraged them to enhance their revenue mobilization efforts, inspiring them to generate more revenue.

“You are the lifeline of our economy” the Minister underscored. “There is a big room for improvement,” he added.

He said the main purpose of his visit had been achieved as he acquired all the revenue information required to guide his administration.

In terms of their operations in Takoradi, the Minister appealed to the officers to widen the scope of their operations.

“There is still a lot to be done. It takes the services and commitment to do more to raise revenue. We all must recommit ourselves to our mandate. Essentially that is why we are all here. Western Region itself will also see progress once there is an improvement in service delivery,” he said.

Mr Nelson pointed out that all challenges facing the country and precisely Western Region cannot be addressed without revenue. “It’s all about revenue, it’s all about funding, ” he stressed.

He assured the Command of his determination to engage authorities of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to collaborate with them to implement policies and programmes necessary to advance operations.

“We will meet with port authorities to address these challenges. Anything to enhance revenue collection, we will assist you,” he assured.

The sector commander in charge of Western and Central, Assistant Commissioner Walter Blankson, who briefed the Minister about their presence, operations and challenges revealed that following increasing surveillance and tactful operations, the command exceeded its target last year and hope to do more.

According to him, instead of GHC1.381 billion, the Command recorded GHC1.437 billion.

With staff strength of 118 and 120 operational assistants including NABCO interns, he said the Command’s operational line starts from Mile 32, all the way to Winneba junction.

In terms of port operations, he explained that they have been working assiduously to make the Takoradi Port attractive despite its current state of being an export-based port with goods coming in mainly being concessionary basis.

“We are trying to make Takoradi Port so attractive, and therefore we need your support,” he urged.

The Takoradi port, he announced, will be ready for incoming transit trade this year after experiencing the transit trade last year with minor challenges where dock workers had to be imported from Tema to assist the command.

Challenges

He appealed to the Regional Minister to impress upon authorities of GPHA to construct more warehouses and sheds.

“We need GPHA to get us designated Transit shells or warehouses for Transit trade,” he pleaded.

Mr Blankson assured the Minister of their loyalty and commitment to serve him as the Chairman of Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

“We pledge our unflinching support. We are solidly behind you.”

Rtd. Brigadier General Musah Whajah, Western Region National Security Liaison Officer and other senior officers of the Western Regional Coordinating Council accompanied the Minister.

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The post Western Regional Minister urges CEPS officers to generate more revenue for the country first appeared on 3News.

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