Ghana CTN Certificate — The Complete Guide
How the Ghana CTN certificate works: issuing authority, required documents, application process, timeline and the rules that apply.
This guide covers the CTN certificate for shipments to Ghana — who issues it, which documents it needs, how the application runs and what the validation rules are. For the country procedure page, see Ghana CTN.
Overview
The CTN — Electronic Cargo Tracking Number / Smart Port Note (ECTN/SPN) — is the cargo tracking certificate required for shipments to Ghana. It is issued by Ghana Shippers Authority. Requirement status: Mandatory.
Sample CTN certificate
A Ghana CTN we filed, with the customer fields masked. Use it to check the layout, where the authority stamp sits and where the reference number is printed.
Required documents
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Freight Invoice
- Packing List
Application process
1. Send your documents
Share PDF copies of the required documents via sck@scktr.com, or upload them through the application form. There is no need to send hard copies for the issuance of CTN certificates.
2. Draft is prepared
Once complete, consistent documents arrive, a draft is prepared for your confirmation. A file specialist checks the shipment details against the documents before anything is filed.
3. Confirm the draft
Check every field on the draft — consignee, ports, weights, values and container references. Final documents must be submitted without further amendments; corrections after validation are charged separately.
4. Filing and validation
The confirmed file is submitted to the issuing authority for validation. The CTN number is issued at validation, so it cannot be shown on documents prepared before that point.
5. Certificate delivered
The validated certificate is sent to you and can accompany the cargo to the destination port.
Timeline
- Validity: One validated ECTN/SPN per Bill of Lading
The exact cut-off depends on the destination and the vessel schedule; confirm the deadline for your shipment with our team before filing.
Special rules
Validation deadline. Starting February 1, 2026, all shipments to Ghana, including those in transit, must obtain the mandatory ECTN/SPN from the ports of loading. Each Bill of Lading must be covered by one ECTN/SPN.
Non-compliance. Any cargo without a valid ECTN/SPN will not be cleared through local Customs until fines are paid and a valid ECTN/SPN is presented, and may incur substantial fines.
Frequently asked questions
What is ECTN?
An ECTN (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory document that provides information about the cargo, its origin, destination, and the shipper and consignee, facilitating cargo tracking and helping customs authorities anticipate arrivals and collect accurate import duties.
How can you get a Ghana ECTN?
Forward the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Freight Invoice, Packing List, and Export declaration to issue the ECTN certificate for Ghana.
How many ECTN/SPN are needed per shipment?
Each Bill of Lading must be covered by one ECTN/SPN, and the unique number must be inserted in the Bill of Lading and Cargo Manifest.
Ready to file? Apply for a CTN certificate or go back to the Ghana CTN procedure page. All country guides: Country guides.