The service was established in 1839 and was under the jurisdiction of the Civil Service Department of Ghana. In 1986, the Flight Lieutenant Rawlings government made the service autonomous backed by the PNDC Law 144. The law was replaced in 1993 by the PNDC Law 330.
Functions of Ghana Custom Service Uniform
The service is mandated to collect Import and export duty tax, petroleum tax and import excise. It promotes the protection of revenue through the prevention of smuggling of goods across Ghana’s borders. The service protects the boundaries of Ghana by preventing external aggression and promotes territorial integrity of Ghana. The service is a member of Ghana’s security services. Import and export restrictions and prohibitions are supervised by the service.
Every Custom Service worker in Ghana wears the CEPS Ghana Uniform. Ghana CEPS- Customs Excise and Preventive Service, is the national forces mandated with the responsibility of inspecting, monitoring and regulating the exports into the country.
Inasmuch as exports play a very important role in the economic growth of Ghana it too can pose serious threats to the country by allowing unwanted and dangerous goods in the country. It is for this reason that this sector is controlled and regulated by the CEPS a unit of Ghana’s Special Forces. Just like with the Country’s National Defence forces, there are different CEPS ranks and their Insignia that are used to identify with power and authority. However, before we look at them, let’s first understand the role and mandate commissioned to this service.
Note: CEPS Ghana Uniforms are differentiated by CEPS Ranks Symbols
Custom Service CEPS Ranks in Ghana and their Symbols
· junior collection assistant 3rd Class
· Junior collection assistant 2nd Class
· Junior collection assistant 1st Class
· Collection Assistant 3rd Class
· Collection Assistant 2nd Class
· Collection Assistant 1st Class
· Assistant Collector
· Collector
· Senior Collector
· Principal Collector
· Senior Collector
· Assistant Commissioner
· Deputy Commissioner
· Commissioner
The service is mandated to collect Import and export duty tax, petroleum tax and import excise. It promotes the protection of revenue through the prevention of smuggling of goods across Ghana’s borders.