A coalition of exporters, importers, and traders in Ghana has rejected the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s (GSA) proposed Smart Port Note (SPN), set to roll out on February 1, 2026.
The group warns that the policy will add unnecessary costs and bureaucratic hurdles, undermining the government’s trade facilitation efforts.
In a statement issued on Tuesday December 30, the coalition questioned the justification for the SPN, saying no evidence has been provided to show how it will improve compliance, cargo monitoring, or logistics data.
They argued the system appears aimed at generating revenue for the service provider rather than benefiting Ghanaian traders.
Members of the coalition also highlighted legal and practical issues saying the SPN duplicates functions already handled by the Ghana Revenue Authority and existing systems like the Integrated Customs Management System, offering no added tracking, risk analysis, or verification.
The coalition warned that claims the SPN would impose no additional costs are misleading, arguing that fees charged to exporters would inevitably be passed on to Ghanaian consignees. It further noted that the initiative runs counter to the government’s national artificial intelligence strategy for customs modernisation.
Calling for a comprehensive reassessment, the coalition urged the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and relevant ministries to engage stakeholders in developing policies that genuinely reduce trade costs, streamline processes, and improve efficiency at the ports.
The coalition represents exporters, importers, and traders advocating fair trade practices, lower operational burdens, and sustainable economic growth.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BY THE COALITION OF CONCERNED EXPORTERS, IMPORTERS HERE
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