PETER K. OKUDZETO & ANOTHER AND CUSTOMS, EXCISE & PREVENTIVE SERVICE

The petitioners' petition is that they were dismissed by a letter dated 24th May, 1996 on the grounds that: (a) investigation reports showed that they had extorted $1.5 million from an importer to assist him under-value goods cleared at Tema Harbour; and (b) a "macro" cassette produced as evidence had recorded the bargaining process between the petitioners and the importer. The circumstances leading to the petitioners' termination are that somewhere in April, 1996 a certain Mr. Adjepong, an importer came to clear his goods, but upon examination of his container, it was discovered that he had seriously under declared his consignment. The importer then discussed with them the possibility of smuggling the excess goods out of the harbour since it was a normal practice to him. The petitioners informed the Chief Collector, Out Door (CCOD) and the Assistant Commissioner (AC) in charge of Tema about what transpired. The 2 superior officers asked the petitioners to encourage the importe...