The Tema Collection of the Customs, Excise and
Preventive Service (CEPS) has instituted measures to ensure that the euphoria associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa does not
affect revenue collection.
The measures include revision of the official duty hours from 0800 hours to 0730 hours in order to attract clearing agents and customers who would be distracted by the on-going tournament to pay their duties.
Assistant Commissioner Wallace Akondor, Sector Commander of the Tema Collection told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that that decision was taken for CEPS to meet its revenue target.
"Once matches start work grinds to a halt. Last Friday almost all our customers left as soon as the matches started and this has implications on revenue mobilisation.
"Chances are that people would not come back after watching the matches.As for revenue what is collectible today is lost if you are not able
to collect it", he said Assistant Commissioner Akondor said the new working plan has been
communicated to stakeholders, including the banks and executives of clearing agents who have lauded the initiative.
The Sector Commander said all CEPS officers have been directed to put notices at their offices indicating the new working time.
"We should be able to see the impact of the decision by Wednesday June 16. The 30 minutes is significant because we can rake in enough revenue
within the period."
Assistant Commissioner Akondor encouraged clearing agents and customers to go about their normal business because CEPS personnel are "firmly" on the ground irrespective of the excitement surrounding the tournament.
"Revenue must be collected. and we cannot be distracted," he said.
After the tournament the Collection would revert to the normal working hours.