IMPORTERS ACCUSE CEPS OF BRIBERY

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning organized a public forum as part of the financial Literacy Programme which aimed at explaining the functions of the Ministry and to highlight some of the Ministry’s achievements including some economic policy initiatives of government directed at enhancing Ghana’s economy.

Representatives from various groups, amongst them include financial institutions, MPs, traders associations, importers, used vehicle spare parts dealers, transport unions, teachers etc. had an interaction with the officials of the Ministry.

During the interaction the traders complained to the Minister about some problems they encounter with officials of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) toll collectors at the barriers, clearing agencies at the ports and personnel of the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) in the various markets. They alleged that officials of CEPS charged them various sums of money at the different points where they cleared their goods, without issuing the corresponding receipts before allowing them to travel with their goods.

The Minister responded to many of the questions and promised to find answers to those that he was not in the best position to answer. He pointed out to the traders that the government was on the edge to raise revenue to support the economy, adding that, the IRS and the VAT service had the responsibility to generate enough revenue to meet the demands of the society.

He urged the traders not to concentrate on imports, but to look at the exportation of non-traditional goods to earn foreign exchange. Also responding to the allegations, an Assistant Commissioner of CEPS in charge of Research and Monitoring, Mr. S. A. Yankyera, said without attempting to defend the staff of the service, that it was mostly traders who wanted to cheat the system who usually found problems with CEPS officials.

Some of the traders also appealed to government to speed up action on existing laws and also prompt review of the investment law against invasion of foreigners. They also appealed to the government to help members of some of the association that, they have to benefit from the Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) since they also contribute to it.

They suggested that special fund should be set up for only those who deal in made in Ghana goods.

Mr. Harry Owusu, Executive Secretary of the Revenue Agency Governing Board also added that, CEPS had an additional responsibility to get rid of all forfeited goods at the ports to generate funds for the state.

He advised the traders not to sell by the road side but to patronize the new market, since it was a way by generating revenue to the state.

Also present at the forum was the Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, officials from the Ministry and officials from the Customs Excise and Preventive Service and Internal Revenue Service.