Ghana Importers and Exporters Association Denies Smart Port Note Coalition Claims

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has distanced itself from a pressure group calling itself the Coalition of Exporters, Importers and Traders over claims made against the proposed implementation of the Smart Port Note (SPN). In a statement dated January 18, 2026, IEAG said it is not part of the coalition and did not endorse the group’s conclusions, particularly claims about projected costs associated with the Smart Port Note. While acknowledging that traders have previously raised concerns about the SPN, IEAG noted that significant progress has been made through stakeholder engagements aimed at addressing these issues. The Association disclosed that it participated in two high-level stakeholder meetings last year, convened by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in collaboration with the Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute and Antaser Afrique BV. These engagements involved key players across the trade and maritime value chain, including GUTA, AGI, GIFF, ACHAG and CUBAG. According to IEAG, stakeholders at the meetings were assured that the Smart Port Note would be implemented at no cost to importers and would not impose any additional financial burden on the trading community. IEAG’s Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, had earlier raised concerns about possible duplication of systems, operational clarity and potential costs. He said those concerns were addressed, with assurances that any associated costs would be borne by exporting countries and not Ghanaian importers. The Association expressed concern that the coalition issued its statement without broad consultation or alignment with outcomes from ongoing stakeholder discussions. IEAG also reiterated its strong support for the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), describing it as the backbone of Ghana’s port clearance and trade facilitation framework. The Association credited ICUMS with improving revenue mobilisation, cargo tracking, risk management and automation at the ports. IEAG emphasized its commitment to protecting the interests of traders and consumers, stressing that it supports reforms that improve port efficiency, provided they are transparent and do not increase the cost of doing business. The Association urged stakeholders to rely on verified information and allow ongoing consultations on the Smart Port Note to mature in the national interest.