Ghana SPN (Smart Port Note): Implementation Postponed Following Stakeholders Meeting

SHIPPERSDOC would like to provide an official update regarding the SPN – Smart Port Note (ECTN) for shipments destined to Ghana, following the latest communications issued by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA).

After the initial announcement published on 23 December 2025, the SPN was scheduled to become mandatory as from 1 February 2026, based on the load-on-board date. This information was formally disseminated through official circulars, press releases, and institutional channels, and was widely communicated within the international shipping and logistics community.

Stakeholders Meeting and Official Authority Notice

On 19 January 2026, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority held a meeting with key industry stakeholders to review the operational framework and implementation aspects of the Smart Port Note (SPN) policy.

Following this meeting, the Authority issued an official notice dated 20 January 2026, confirming that the implementation of the Ghana SPN / ECTN has been postponed until further notice.
The decision was taken to allow additional time for clarification and alignment on certain outstanding operational and regulatory issues identified during the discussions.

Current Status of the Ghana SPN Requirement

As of today:

  • The SPN – Smart Port Note (ECTN) is not yet mandatory for shipments to Ghana.
  • No revised implementation date has been officially confirmed.
  • Further instructions are expected once the regulatory framework is fully finalized.

SHIPPERSDOC Regulatory Monitoring and Compliance Support

All communications previously issued by SHIPPERSDOC were based exclusively on official and verified information received from destination authorities.

As part of our compliance-driven approach, SHIPPERSDOC continuously:

  • monitors regulatory updates at origin and destination,
  • verifies requirements directly with local authorities and official bodies,
  • and provides timely, transparent updates to support compliant and disruption-free shipments.

We will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the Ghana SPN regulation and will promptly inform our clients as soon as a new official effective date or procedural update is confirmed.

For further information or assistance, please contact our team:

📧 info@shippersdoc.com
🌐 www.shippersdoc.com