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Ghana becoming destination of stolen
vehicles- CEPS
Accra, March 25, GNA- The Customs, Excise and Preventive
Service (CEPS), has expressed concern that Ghana is
increasingly becoming a destination for stolen vehicles from
across the world.
A statement issued by the CEPS in Accra over the weekend,
and signed by Ms. Annie Anipa, Assistant Commissioner for
Public relations said, "The practice was unfortunate and
must stop".
The statement noted that there were several instances where
vehicles discharged at the ports had been found to be
un-manifested, with most of them usually concealed in
containers together with other goods and personal effects.
In line with these occurrences, the CEPS have put in place
measures for the clearance of vehicles with effect from
April 1, 2007.
As part of the measures, all vehicles that arrive at the
ports or entry points un-manifested would be seized as
mandated by law. This would also apply to vehicles in
transit or trans-shipment as long as they are un-manifested.
Also, upon seizure, CEPS would carry out thorough
investigations in liaison with other security agencies,
especially INTERPOL, Ghana and its international partners.
The investigations would among other things, establish the
make/model of the vehicles, the chassis number, country of
origin/manufacture, certificate of title, other documentary
proof of ownership or possession of the consignor or
exporter.
The statement said during the period any vehicle is being
investigated, the importer or consignee would not be
permitted to apply to the master of a carrier or its agents
to amend the manifest unless the CEPS Commissioner
specifically allowed it.
It said where it was established at the end of
investigations that the importer or consignee was titled to
clear the vehicle; he or she would be permitted upon written
application to amend the manifest subject to payment of
pecuniary penalty before clearance of the vehicle.
The statement further said, if investigations established
that the vehicles was stolen or its importation tainted with
fraud, such vehicle would be treated for re-exportation
under the supervision of CEPS and INTERPOL Ghana, and upon
application by an interested party or complainant who may be
liable for any incidental expenses.
It said such re-exportation might only be done where the
Ghanaian authorities receive a written application to that
effect within a period of not more that three months after
conclusion of investigations, or any extension thereafter
not exceeding one month.
An applicant requesting for the re-exportation, whether an
individual, authority or institution, would be required to
bear all expenses or charges that would be incurred.
It said where no application for re-exportation was received
at the expiration of the prescribed period, the vehicle
would be deemed abandoned, and accordingly, would be
forfeited to the State and disposed off in accordance with
Law and the laid down procedure.
The statement emphasized that these measures would be
additional to all normal customs clearance procedures
already in place for clearing vehicles from entry points.
GNA
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