IEAG distances itself from coalition statement on Smart Port Note

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has publicly dissociated itself from a recent statement issued by a group describing itself as a “Coalition of Exporters, Importers and Traders” over the proposed implementation of the Smart Port Note (SPN), stressing that it was neither part of the coalition nor aligned with the claims made in the release.

In a press statement dated January 18, 2026, and signed by its Executive Secretary, Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Association said it did not endorse the coalition’s conclusions, particularly the cost projections and assertions attributed to the SPN.

IEAG acknowledged that concerns had previously been raised within the trading community about the initiative, and that significant progress has been made through structured stakeholder engagement and dialogue to address those issues.

“While the Association acknowledges that sections of the trading community have previously raised legitimate concerns regarding the SPN, it is important to emphasise that significant progress has been made through structured stakeholder engagement and dialogue aimed at addressing these concerns,” IEAG stated.

The Association revealed that it participated in two high-level stakeholder meetings convened last year by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), in collaboration with Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute (IOMLI) and Antaser Afrique BV. According to IEAG, stakeholders at the meetings were assured that the Smart Port Note would be implemented at no cost to importers.

“At these engagements, stakeholders were given clear assurances that the Smart Port Note would be implemented at no cost to importers, and that the system would not impose any additional financial burden on the trading community,” the statement said.

Samson Awingobit explained that IEAG had raised similar concerns at the engagements, including issues of possible duplication and operational clarity, but was reassured that any cost implications would be borne by exporting countries.

He further called for continuous and inclusive stakeholder consultations, warning that issuing public statements without due process or broad-based consultation risks undermining consensus-building efforts.

“Against this background, the IEAG finds it deeply concerning that a press statement of such magnitude was issued by the said coalition without due process, broad-based consultation, or alignment with outcomes of the stakeholder engagements already held.”

IEAG also reaffirmed its strong support for the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), describing it as the backbone of Ghana’s port clearance system, and urged stakeholders to rely on verified information while ongoing engagements on the SPN continue.