A renewed attempt to introduce a mandatory cargo-tracking regime threatens to add tens of millions of US dollars annually in costs for Ghanaian businesses and consumers. This policy, including an Advance Cargo Information (ACI) or Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) system, is being pursued through the Ministry of Transport.
The projected costs stem from new mandatory charges that would affect all participants in the import and export chain, from freight forwarders to consumers. The proposed system duplicates functions already performed by Ghana's existing national single window for customs administration, the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS).
This initiative follows a previous attempt to implement a similar cargo-tracking framework, which failed to gain traction at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry. The renewed push comes amid existing high port charges, taxes, levies, and exchange-rate pressures on the import chain. The re-emergence of this policy debate highlights ongoing tensions between new revenue generation ideas and the government’s stated aim to improve the ease of doing business in Ghana.
Documents reviewed by B&FT, a local financial newspaper, indicate that a company named Inter-Ocean Maritime and Logistics Institute Limited is seeking official backing for this service. The company reportedly describes itself as collaborating with Antaser International to provide worldwide services for Electronic Cargo Tracking Notes. A technical note reviewed alongside these documents asserts that ICUMS already provides all necessary functions without additional cost.
This proposed system’s implications are significant for Ghana’s import-reliant economy. If implemented, a Smart Port Note scheme could cost Ghanaian shippers tens of millions of US dollars each year, depending on cargo volumes. These additional fees would likely be passed on to importers and ultimately to consumers, potentially driving up the cost of goods.
Critics argue that such schemes offer no real value addition for Ghana. The Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) already receives electronic manifests for sea, air, and road cargo. It also processes digital exemption letters, permits, and licenses. All relevant government agencies involved in cross-border trade operate within this unified ICUMS platform. Proponents of ACI-style regimes highlight benefits like improved risk management and reduced under-invoicing. However, critics maintain these benefits are already achieved by ICUMS in Ghana’s unique market context.
A policy brief, titled 'An Unjustified Cost Burden on Consumers and Businesses', reinforces these concerns. It warns that ACI-type charges are not absorbed by foreign exporters but burden Ghanaian importers and consumers. The report estimates the annual cost due to a Smart Port Note scheme could reach GHS 100 million. This would be a substantial increase at a time when businesses are already grappling with rising operational costs.
The historical record also fuels scepticism about the current proposal. In February 2018, the Office of the President directed the Ghana Revenue Authority to suspend a similar Cargo Tracking Note implementation. That presidential intervention concluded that the information sought was already available through import manifests and would simply increase the cost of doing business. This past decision effectively rejected the policy at the highest level, making the current revival a point of significant contention.
The re-emergence of this policy will be closely watched by the trade and logistics community. Stakeholders will monitor any official announcements from the Ministry of Transport regarding the proposed system. The private sector will likely continue to lobby against its implementation. Any new charges would affect Ghana's competitiveness and its efforts to attract foreign investment. Policymakers face pressure to balance revenue generation with supporting economic growth and managing inflation.