The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has deferred the implementation of the Smart Port Note (SPN) policy amid concerns raised by industry stakeholders.
In a notice issued on January 20, 2026, the Authority said the decision follows the emergence of outstanding issues requiring further clarification and alignment.
After its initial announcement on December 23, 2025, the SPN was originally scheduled to take effect from February 1, 2026, based on the load-on-board date.
According to the GSA, the deferment is a cautious recalibration of one of its key port digitisation initiatives
and s intended to allow for an additional round of stakeholder consultations to resolve operational, regulatory and implementation-related concerns before the system goes live.
The Authority stressed that the pause reflects a commitment to consensus-building and policy coherence, rather than a retreat from reform.
The Smart Port Note is a central component of efforts to modernise Ghana’s ports, enhance data transparency, and reduce inefficiencies in the shipping and logistics value chain.
Industry players, however, have raised questions around readiness, cost implications and integration with existing port and customs systems.
The GSA aims to ensure that the SPN, once implemented, delivers its intended efficiency gains without disrupting trade flows or increasing the cost of doing business at the ports.
The Authority said a new implementation date will be announced after consultations are concluded, reaffirming its resolve to balance reform ambition with practical execution in support of Ghana’s trade competitiveness.
