The Ministry of Finance has issued a statement urging shippers and importers to disregard a letter titled "Re-enhancing Shipping Data Collection and Management in Ghana through Smart Port and Electronic Cargo Tracking," which is claimed to have been sent from the Ministry.

The letter, dated September 15, 2023, states that all shipments to Ghana, including transit shipments, must obtain an Electronic Cargo Transit Number (ECTN/SPN) and submit it to Antaser Afrique BVBA for verification.

The Ministry has clarified that the letter and its contents are fraudulent and should not be taken seriously.

Ministry on Smart Port

The Finance Ministry expressed its gratitude to shipping agents and stakeholders who brought this matter to their attention and assured the public that any new government tax policies would be communicated through official channels.

“We thank all stakeholders who alerted us and made inquiries and wish to assure them that, as is done with all policies, extensive consultation will be done with relevant stakeholders whenever the government wishes to introduce a new policy or tax,” parts of the statement read.