Smart Port and Electronic Cargo Tracking letter fake – Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance has debunked claims of a new tax policy where shippers are required to obtain an Electronic Cargo Transit number.

This follows reports derived from a letter which purportedly suggested that from September 15, 2023, all shipments to Ghana, including transit shipments are required to obtain an Electronic Cargo Transit number (ECTN/SPN) and submit it to Antaser Afrique BVBA for verification.

In a press release dated October 31, the finance ministry said, “The letter alleged that from 15th September 2023, all shipment to Ghana, including transit shipment are required to obtain an Electronic Cargo Transit number (ECTN/SPN) and submit same to Antaser Afrique BVBA for verification.

“The Ministry wishes to inform all shippers and stakeholders that the letter and its content are fake and should be ignored,” parts of the statement read.

The ministry expressed appreciation to shipping agents and stakeholders who prompted them on the purported letter, assuring them to inform the public of any government’s intended new tax policy.

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