Skilled labour placement and organisational efficiency: A case study of Ghana Customs and Preventive Services

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate skilled labour placement and organizational efficiency in the Customs Excise and Preventive Service of Ghana (CEPS). To achieve this goal, questionnaires specially designed in line with the objectives of the study were administered to 200 officers of CEPS. Their responses were analyzed with the Predictive Analysis Software (PASW) version 17 and presented in the form of simple frequency tables. The results of the study suggest that CEPS measured the efficiency of its employees by considering how fast they processed client’s clearing documents, the extent to which they were able to work with minimal errors and with less supervision, their ability to initiate and maintain friendly customer relationship, their ability to detect revenue fraud and finally by their ability to solve job-related problems as they arise. The results further suggest that in spite of the challenges faced by CEPS, skilled labour placement played some role in achieving organizational efficiency. An average of 50 percent of transfers and placements in CEPS were based on academic or professional backgrounds. Based on the findings, the study recommended that management should involve in training and capacity building for staff. Secondly, management should be involved in recruitment and placement processes thereby recruits be tested for the skilled they applied for. It is also recommended that CEPS’ management should show more commitment to staff transfer and that transfer must primarily be based on proven qualifications, skills and experiences.