A wave of relief swept through Ghana’s trade community this week as importers, exporters, and associated businesses welcomed the decision to postpone the much-anticipated Smart Port Note (SPN) initiative.
The announcement, made by the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) in a widely circulated public notice, came after industry stakeholders raised concerns about the need for deeper consultation and clarification before the system’s rollout.
The SPN, originally slated to take effect on February 1, 2026, was unveiled by the GSA on December 23, 2025, with the promise of modernising port operations and stamping out inefficiencies. However, as the implementation date approached, unresolved issues, particularly around operational logistics, regulatory compliance, and the introduction of new fees, prompted calls for a careful reassessment.
According to the GSA, the postponement is intended to allow more time for meaningful dialogue with all affected parties. “This is a careful adjustment of one of our major port digitisation initiatives,” the Authority stated. “We want to ensure that operational, regulatory, and implementation concerns are fully addressed before the system goes live.”
For industry leaders, the pause is not only welcome but necessary. Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, explained to Citi Business News why the deferment was critical: “Messages have gone out globally to exporters and suppliers, alerting them to a potential new charge that would ultimately be passed on to local importers. When we examined the proposed figures, some of the values were quite high. It was clear we needed to defer the rollout, reconvene, and ensure all stakeholders, including those raising cost concerns, had a seat at the table.”
Michael Obiri-Yeboah, Convenor of the Coalition of Concerned Exporters, Importers and Traders, echoed this sentiment, describing the delay as “a step in the right direction.” He stressed the importance of inclusive discussion: “We’ve seen prominent voices within the port community express reservations about the SPN. This postponement validates our concerns and opens the door to proper stakeholder engagement. Now, we can clearly articulate why the SPN may not be necessary in its current form, or work collaboratively to shape a more effective policy.”
With the postponement in place, the mood among stakeholders is one of cautious optimism. Many believe that sustained engagement and open dialogue will ensure that any future digitisation of Ghana’s ports is both efficient and equitable, balancing the needs of government with the realities faced by those who keep the nation’s trade flowing.
As the GSA prepares for renewed consultations, the business community is hopeful that the next version of the Smart Port Note will reflect a broader consensus, one that truly supports Ghana’s ambitions as a modern hub for international commerce.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
