The Coalition of Concerned Importers, Exporters, Traders and Freight Forwarders has signaled a potential showdown with regulators over renewed plans to implement the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) and Shipment Processing Note (SPN) system in Ghana.
In a strongly worded statement issued on April 4, 2026, the group warned that it would explore all lawful means to resist the policy if authorities proceed without addressing longstanding concerns.
The coalition accused the Ghana Shippers’ Authority and the Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute of attempting to quietly revive the initiative through a proposed pilot phase, despite its earlier withdrawal.
According to the group, the reintroduction of ECTN/SPN could increase the cost of doing business and undermine recent gains in port efficiency and trade competitiveness.
It further argued that proponents of the system have failed to provide compelling evidence of its benefits, raising concerns about transparency and the absence of broad stakeholder consensus.
The coalition also warned that the timing of the move is problematic, as industry players are still grappling with operational challenges linked to the rollout of the Publican AI platform in customs procedures.
They claim pushing ahead under such conditions could worsen existing bottlenecks and disrupt trade operations.
Recalling that the policy was previously scrapped after failing to demonstrate value, the group cautioned that any attempt to reintroduce it without resolving past issues could erode trust between authorities and the trading community.
While maintaining openness to dialogue, the coalition made it clear that it is prepared to escalate the matter if its concerns are overlooked.
