The Concerned Traders Association is urging the Ministry of Transport to provide a clear and definitive timeline for the rollout of the Smart Port Note (SPN) System, citing prolonged uncertainty despite years of stakeholder consultations, according to a statement over the weekend.
The Association, which brings together traders, car dealers, and logistics operators, says it has actively participated in multiple engagement sessions, technical reviews, and discussions on the proposed system and believes the process has now reached a stage where implementation clarity is urgently required.
According to the group, continued ambiguity regarding the rollout schedule is creating unease within the trading and logistics sector, which depends heavily on predictable cargo movement and efficient port operations.
The Association stressed that traders and businesses require certainty to effectively plan, invest, and operate in an increasingly competitive trade environment.
They noted that the SPN system is expected to significantly improve trade facilitation by providing accurate and verified cargo information from ports of loading, enhancing cargo visibility, and supporting digital and AI-driven trade systems with reliable data inputs.
Other expected benefits include strengthened cargo security, improved risk management, better business planning, and overall increased efficiency within Ghana’s trade and logistics ecosystem.
While expressing strong support for the initiative, the Association maintained that the time has come to move beyond consultations and toward full implementation.
In light of this, the group has respectfully requested that the Minister for Transport announce a firm go-live date for the SPN system within seven days.
The Association reaffirmed its readiness to support the rollout and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure the successful implementation of the system, which it believes will enhance transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness in Ghana’s port and trade operations.
