President John Atta Mills on Wednesday asked officials of the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to let managerial efficiency and sincerity reflect in their evaluation of imports to get the right duties due for the state.
He said reports reaching his office daily about undervaluation and under- declaration of imports had become a matter of serious concern.
President Mills also asked clearing agents to be guided by their conscience in the filling of import documents and eschew acts that would deprive the nation of revenue.
President Mills made these remarks when he paid an unannounced visit to the Tema Port and interacted with officials and workers of CEPS, as well as young men and women he found at the Long Room, who were said to be clearing agents.
The President's visit followed a similar one to the headquarters of the Service and other government revenue collection agencies in Accra on Tuesday during which he expressed concern about the huge loss of revenue to the state through tax evasion, under-declaration, undervaluation of imports, and acts of collusion on the part of Customs officials who assist smugglers in their nefarious acts.
He said about 60 per cent of import duties came from customs duty, while about 70 per cent of the national revenue was derived through taxes, and declared that CEPS was a very important player in national revenue mobilisation.
President Mills said development projects including the provision of water, electricity and good roads depended on an efficient tax system and appealed to personnel of the Service to throw their weight behind government in the national development agenda.
"Please help us to help you," President Mills said, and urged staff of the Service to think about the nation first, adding that Government would in no way support and condone wrong-doing.
"I can't support you in doing what is wrong; let's turn over a new leaf," President Mills emphasised.
The Head of State also visited the Golden Jubilee Yard of the Tema Port and saw a number of seized cars which port authorities said had been confirmed as stolen cars by the Interpol.
President Mills said Government intended to make sure the ports operated with maximum efficiency, and appealed to the management and staff of the Harbour to make sure they served the public to the best of their ability.
The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Mr John Martey Newman, asked the worker to go about their duties with passion, and to ensure the survival of the service and the nation.
President Mills' visit also took him to the Tsolele Nshonaa, at the Fishing Harbour, the first President after former President Rawlings to have visited the place, and was met by an enthusiastic crowd.
President Mills expressed worry over the long absence of a bay for the fishers to mend their nets and directed the Tema Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Kemphis Ofosuware, to liaise with the Ministry of Transport to provide the fishing folk with a bay as soon as possible.
He commended the fishers for their hardwork, but commiserated with them on the absence of the bay which went a long way to disrupt their fishing and hence the loss of income.
Nii Adjierteh Marttor III, Chief Fisherman of the Tso Lele Nshonaa, talked to President Mills about issues relating to premix fuel and thanked him for showing concern
President Mills' also visited the Gas Station at Tema Manhean, which was gutted by fire five days ago.
Mr Gilford Tetley Adam, Tema Regional Fire Officer, who conducted the President round, said the damage extended to a nearby Anglican church and that property worth a huge fortune was destroyed.
The Fire Officer was not happy that a gas station was put at such a crowded place.
President Mills thanked the fire officers for their intervention, expressed sympathy on the destruction caused, and called for intensive public education campaign on fire prevention and management.
President Mills later visited the offices of Meridian FM radio station, also at Tema Manhean and interacted with the management and staff.