Kumasi — THE PERFORMANCE of Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), Kumasi fell short by 19% in 2007.

It recorded a negative variance of 0.14% in revenue mobilization having collected a low revenue of GH¢20.18 million out of a target of GH¢141.18 million for 2007.

The Sector Commander Mr. Kow Amissah-Koomson disclosed at a CEPS Awards Dinner Dance in Kumasi last Friday that unlike 2006 when CEPS, Kumasi exceeded its target by over ¢30.4 billion, the sector this time failed to achieve its target in the year under review.

He said following the excess in the previous year the sector was tasked to collect GH¢17.26 million which could not be met because the odds were against the Service.

Amissah-Koomson whose address was read on his behalf indicated that his outfit was able to collect GH¢2.71 million out of GH¢3.34 million import revenue target with an 18.63% negative variance.

He said GH¢8.73 million out of a petroleum revenue target of GH¢123.92 million were collected while in the import sector, Kumasi CEPS collected GH¢11.45 million out of a target of GH¢17.26 million.

The sector commander, however, noted that in spite of the abysmal performance his officers performed creditably well in terms of arrests out of the relentless war waged against un-customed vehicles and commended his men for that.

He urged the staff to study and apply laws, regulations and Commissioner's orders and other instruments essential for revenue mobilization in order to achieve its target for 2008.

About 26 senior and junior members of staff were awarded for dedicated service over the year during the occasion, which was jointly sponsored, by latex Foam Limited and AJ Fanj Construction Company Limited.

Mr. Jamil Fanj, Managing Director of AJ Fanj urged customs officers to perform professionally in the discharge of their duties in line with international standards.

He as well urged the business community to pay all taxes at the appropriate time to boost national tax revenue and enhance infrastructural development." Payment of taxes is our (businessmen) obligation and commitment as worthy partners for national development" he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fanj has made a personal donation of electric water pump to the Kumasi CEPS towards the rehabilitation of a damaged water system in the CEPS main building in Kumasi.