The New Voter Forum (NVF) says Ghana risks weakening its economic planning, national security and access to international support if the country fails to implement the Smart Port Note (SPN) from 1 February, 2026.
The group warned that without a credible system for capturing advance cargo data, Ghana will continue to rely on foreign-generated trade statistics, limiting the country’s ability to make independent, evidence-based decisions.
The caution was delivered by the lead convenor of the forum, Conqueror Mawodzo, at a press conference held on Tuesday at the International Press Centre in Accra.
Mawodzo said many international institutions, including donor agencies and multilateral bodies, now require reliable national trade and supply-chain data before approving funding support.
He argued that Ghana’s current system, which depends heavily on post-arrival declarations and foreign mirror statistics, places the country at a disadvantage in global economic engagement.
“The issue is not just about ports. It is about whether Ghana controls its own trade data or continues to depend on others for information about its own economy,” the forum said.
The New Voter Forum explained that the Smart Port Note is designed to capture cargo information at the port of origin before shipment. This allows Ghanaian authorities to access verified data while goods are still in transit.
According to the group, the system strengthens planning across government agencies and improves the country’s capacity to manage risks at the borders.
It said the absence of such a system has wider consequences, including weak national trade statistics, limited early-warning mechanisms for dangerous cargo, reduced investor confidence and weaker credibility in the eyes of development partners.
The group stressed that SPN should not be confused with a tax or new levy, despite public concerns raised in recent weeks.
Mawodzo dismissed claims by the Coalition of Concerned Exporters, Importers and Traders that the policy could impose between €187 million and €382 million in additional costs on the economy.
He said the Smart Port Note operates on the export side, where cargo data is generated, and does not legally impose new charges on Ghanaian importers.
“Exporters already provide similar documentation for certificates of origin, inspections and declarations. This is about data compliance, not revenue collection,” he explained.
The forum also sought to address confusion between the SPN and the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
It explained that ICUMS focuses on customs processing and revenue assessment after cargo arrives, while SPN operates before shipment and focuses on early data visibility, trade predictability and security.
According to NVF, the two systems are complementary rather than competing, with SPN expected to improve the efficiency of ICUMS by resolving data inconsistencies before vessels reach Ghana.
The group maintained that a well-functioning advance cargo system would ultimately benefit traders through reduced delays, fewer disputes and improved certainty in port operations.
It added that the wider public also stands to gain from stronger controls against smuggling, improved quality of imported goods and better protection against prohibited items.
The New Voter Forum has therefore called on stakeholders within the ports, logistics and trading sectors to support the Ghana Shippers’ Authority as it prepares to implement the system next month.
It described the rollout of the Smart Port Note as a strategic national decision rather than a technical port reform.
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