The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has clarified its position on the proposed Smart Port Note (SPN), distancing itself from a press statement recently issued by a group called the Coalition of Exporters, Importers and Traders.

In a release copied to GhanaWeb, the Executive Secretary of IEAG, Sampson Asaki Awingobit, stressed that it is not part of this coalition and did not endorse the group’s conclusions, particularly claims about cost projections and financial burdens associated with the SPN.

While acknowledging that sections of the trading community have raised legitimate concerns about the initiative, he said significant progress has already been made through structured stakeholder engagement.

The Executive Secretary of IEAG said, "Last year, the IEAG participated in two high-level meetings convened by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) in collaboration with the Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute (IOMLI) and Antaser Afrique BV. These sessions brought together key industry players, including the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), and several customs and freight bodies."

"At the meetings, stakeholders were assured that the SPN would be implemented at no cost to importers, with expenses borne by exporting countries. I raised concerns about possible duplication of systems and operational clarity, but was reassured that the framework would not impose additional financial burdens on Ghanaian traders," he added.

IEAG highlighted ICUMS’ role in improving revenue mobilisation, cargo tracking, risk management, and automation at the ports.

The Association reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Ghanaian traders and consumers, supporting initiatives that enhance port efficiency provided they are implemented transparently and without extra costs.

SA