A coalition comprising exporters, importers, and traders in Ghana has expressed rejection of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority’s proposed Smart Port Note, slated for implementation on February 1, 2026.
According to the coalition, the new system, if implemented, will introduce unnecessary costs and bureaucratic obstacles, thereby undermining the government’s trade facilitation initiatives.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Michael Obiri Adjei, Convener of the Coalition, stated that there is no justification for the proposed system.
He contended that this system would be a retrogressive step, pushing the country back 25 years, and would not enhance compliance, cargo monitoring, or logistics data.
Mr Adjei claimed that the system would primarily generate revenue for the service provider at the expense of Ghanaian traders.
He noted that there is a lack of clarity regarding the Smart Port Note and alleged that it is a system being pushed to advance personal interests.
He further argued that “the system would duplicate functions already handled by the Ghana Revenue Authority and existing systems like the Integrated Customs Management System, offering no added benefits in terms of tracking, risk analysis, or verification, while imposing additional costs. The fees charged to exporters would inevitably be passed on to Ghanaian consignees, contradicting the government’s national artificial intelligence strategy for customs modernization”.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive reassessment and proposed that the Ghana Shippers’ Authority and relevant ministries engage stakeholders in developing policies that genuinely reduce trade costs, streamline processes, and improve efficiency at the ports.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
