Aflao, (V/R) Jan. 13, GNA- The Aflao Sector of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) last year failed to realise its GH=A2 653 million revenue target, making only GH=A2 444 million, a shortfall of GH=A2 209 million.

The GH=A2 444 million was however 18.10 per cent above the 376 GH=A2 the sector collected in 2006, far in excess of the 338 million GH=A2 target for that year. Mr. Emmanuel Impraim, Assistant Commissioner in- charge of the Sector noted that the 2006 excellent performance might have prompted the authorities to increase the 2007 target by a whooping 107 per cent of the 2006 collection. He was addressing the Sector's end of year get-together and awards night at Aflao.

"I must confess it is a frightening target but through determination, we exceeded the 2005 collection, though we failed to meet the 2007 target itself," he said. Mr. Impraim commended the personnel under him, made up of those at Havi, Kpoglu, Akanu, Dabala-Check point and the main border at Aflao for their dedication to duty and urged them to gear up for a greater challenge this year. "Let us go an extra mile as patriotic citizens by being vigilant, honest and firm," Mr. Impraim said. He urged them to display a sense of professionalism to raise and protect the image and security of the country in the challenges posed by the CAN 2008 tournament and the general elections. Mr. Impriam called for a greater collaboration between the Service, sister agencies and other stakeholders. Group-Captain Martin Obeng-Ntim, Aflao Circuit Court Judge, who chaired the function reminded the personnel to be extra vigilant against the infiltration of small arms and narcotics as the country gets busy for general elections this year.