Accra, Jan. 16, GNA- The Ghana Shipper’s Authority (GSA) will from February 1, 2026 commenced the nationwide implementation of a Smart Port Notes (SPN9) compulsory for all export cargo shipments.
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.
Mr Fred Aseidu Dartey, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical) of GSA said importers and consignees receiving goods in Ghana were 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.
Mr Dartey was speaking at a forum organised for Editor by the Authority on the Smart Port Notes in Accra.
He said the initiative was an agreement with Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute Limited for the implementation and this would cover all shipments to and from Ghana, including transit cargoes through the country’s seaports
He said this agreement was signed after extensive consultations with shippers and stakeholders including the Ghana Union Traders Association, Association of Ghana Industries, Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana.
Others are Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders, Customs Brokers Association Ghana, Association of Customs House Agents Ghana and Freight Forwarders Association of Ghana.
He said the SPN was an advanced shipment information system and is being introduced pursuant to the mandate of the Ghana Shippers Authority under L.I. 2190 to enhance trade facilitation, cargo monitoring, compliance enforcement, and the availability of reliable shipping and logistics data.
Mr Dartey said the Authority wished to clarify that the SPN, a form of advanced shipment information system described above, was an export-oriented data requirement and does not impose any cost on importers or consignees in Ghana.
He said 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.
The Deputy CEO said non-compliance with SPN requirements may lead to penalties and delays at Ghanaian ports.
“Applicable service fees shall be paid only by exporters in the country of origin, in line with international practice,” he said.
He said all shipping lines, freight forwarder, exporters, importers, and logistics operators are expected to comply with the following SPN requirements:
He said this measure reinforces GSA’s commitment to optimizing port operations and supporting Ghana’s logistics sector in aligning with international standards.
He encouraged industry stakeholders to review the updated requirements and ensure full compliance by February 1.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade