Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana Reject Coalition SPN Claims, Assure Traders
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has distanced itself from a pressure group known as the Coalition of Exporters, Importers and Traders over claims made against the proposed implementation of the Smart Port Note (SPN).
In a statement the Association clarified that it is not a member of the coalition and did not endorse the group’s assertions, particularly claims relating to the projected costs associated with the Smart Port Note.
While acknowledging that traders have previously raised concerns about the SPN, the association noted that significant progress has been made through stakeholder engagements aimed at addressing these issues.
IEAG disclosed that it participated in two high-level stakeholder meetings held last year. The meetings were convened by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority in collaboration with the Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute and Antaser Afrique BV. They brought together key actors across the trade and maritime value chain, including the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Association of Customs House Agents of Ghana (ACHAG) and the Customs Brokers Association of Ghana (CUBAG).
According to IEAG, participants 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.
Samson Asaki Awingobit the Executive Secretary of IEAG had earlier expressed concerns about possible duplication of systems, lack of operational clarity and potential costs.
He stated that those issues were adequately addressed, with assurances that any related costs would be borne by exporting countries rather than Ghanaian importers.
IEAG expressed concern that the coalition issued its statement without broad consultation or alignment with outcomes from the ongoing stakeholder discussions.
The Association 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. It credited ICUMS with enhancing revenue mobilisation, cargo tracking, risk management and automation at the ports.
IEAG reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of traders and consumers, stressing that it supports reforms that enhance 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.
