Mandatory Smart Port note will increase cost of doing business – Coalition of exporters, importers and traders

A coalition of exporters, importers and traders has kicked against plans by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to make the Smart Port Note (SPN) mandatory from February 1, 2026, warning that the policy could raise the cost of doing business and undermine ongoing trade facilitation efforts.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Michael Obiri-Adjei, the Coalition of Concerned Exporters, Importers and Traders said it had carefully reviewed the GSA’s notice on the rollout of the SPN and found the initiative “unjustified, duplicative and burdensome” for players in the trade sector.

According to the group, the GSA has failed to provide a clear policy paper to justify claims that the SPN will enhance cargo monitoring, compliance and trade facilitation. “From all indications, the Smart Port Note appears primarily designed to generate revenue for a private service provider, Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute (IOMLI), rather than to protect shippers from avoidable costs,” Mr Obiri-Adjei stated.

Source: www.myjoyonline.com

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