The Ghana Shipper's Authority (GSA) has announced the nationwide implementation of Smart Port Notes (SPN9), which will become compulsory for all export cargo shipments effective February 1, 2026. The SPN9 initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation, improve regulatory compliance, strengthen cargo monitoring, and increase the reliability of logistics data within Ghana’s ports.

SPN9 applies exclusively to exports. Importers and consignees receiving goods in Ghana are not subject to any SPN-related costs; instead, exporters at the country of origin bear the applicable service fees required to obtain a valid Smart Port Note.

Key Compliance Requirements:

• All shipping lines, freight forwarders, exporters, importers, and logistics operators must obtain and present a valid SPN for every cargo shipment, including transit cargo.
• Each SPN number must be clearly listed on all Bills of Lading accompanying export cargo.
• Non-compliance with SPN requirements may lead to penalties and delays at Ghanaian ports.

To facilitate the issuance and validation of SPN certificates, the GSA has appointed Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute (IOMLI) and Antaser Afrique BV as exclusive agents. Exporters can acquire and validate SPNs via the dedicated portal at www.antaserafrique.com.

This measure reinforces GSA’s commitment to optimizing port operations and supporting Ghana’s logistics sector in aligning with international standards. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to review the updated requirements and ensure full compliance by February 1.

Coalition of traders rejects Smart Port Note rollout, demands policy reassessment

The Coalition of Concerned Exporters, Importers, and Traders has formally expressed opposition to the planned deployment of the SPN system by GSA. The coalition asserts that GSA has yet to provide substantiating evidence of the policy’s effectiveness and contends that the policy predominantly benefits the designated service provider, Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute, which they believe may conflict with GSA’s mandate to safeguard shippers from additional expenses. Furthermore, the coalition notes that Antaser Afrique lacks the authority to compel suppliers at origin ports to disclose trade data, which could potentially hinder proper verification.

Accordingly, the coalition calls for a comprehensive reassessment of the initiative, reiterating the GSA’s legal obligation under the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122), to protect traders from potentially exploitative measures.