In a move to resolve the mounting crisis at the nation’s port, the Government has officially suspended the implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) system. The decision comes after clearing agents at the Banjul seaport halted operations to protest what they described as exploitative and redundant fees imposed by a private tracking firm yesterday.
A directive issued by the Office of the President on March 18, 2026, confirmed that the Executive had ordered an immediate suspension of the CTN until further notice.
The move follows ongoing developments and direct engagements with the Gambia Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agents, who had been vocal in their opposition to the new tracking fees.
The Chief of Staff, Alieu Loum, instructed the Ministry of Trade to notify all stakeholders and urged the clearing agents to resume normal operations immediately to prevent further economic disruption.
The standoff began when clearing agents, led by Deputy Secretary-General Lamin Basse Bojang, accused the government of enforcing a “non-genuine” partnership with a private company.
While the suspension brings immediate relief to the port, the government has emphasised that it’s a temporary measure while a permanent resolution is sought.
The Office of the President has directed relevant ministries to continue engaging with the Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agents to arrive at a “lasting solution”.
The directive was copied to several officials and industry leaders, including: The Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), General Manager of Alport, Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA)
and Chairman of the Container Shipping Line Association
With the tracking system on hold, port activities are expected to normalise as traders and agents wait for the outcome of further negotiations between the government and industry stakeholders.
