Ghana Shippers Authority Defers Smart Port Note System Rollout

The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has deferred the rollout of the Smart Port Note (SPN).

Initially scheduled for February 1, 2026, the Authority said certain issues have emerged that require further clarification and alignment with key stakeholders regarding the initiative.

The move is to provide the necessary space for subjecting the outstanding issues to an additional round of stakeholder consultations prior to implementation.

“A new date for the rollout will be communicated in due course,” it said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

In its initial announcement, the GSA said the system was expected to enhance trade facilitation, cargo monitoring, compliance enforcement, and the availability of reliable shipping and logistics data.

It noted that the initiative has attached applicable service fees that will be paid only by exporters in the country of origin, adding that the SPN is an export-oriented data requirement and does not impose any cost on importers or consignees in Ghana.

With its rollout, every cargo destined for Ghana, including transit cargoes, must have a valid Smart Port Note (SPN) issued and validated at the port of loading, and each Bill of Lading must carry a unique SPN Code.

It warned that cargo shipped without a valid SPN shall not be cleared at Ghanaian ports until all applicable fines and penalties for non-compliance are paid and proper validation is completed.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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