Shippers Authority probes alleged Middle East surcharge on earlier shipments

By Tina Moses Sam
The Ghana Shippers Authority has initiated preliminary investigations into allegations that some importers are being charged new shipping surcharges related to tensions in the Middle East, despite their cargo having been shipped weeks prior to the escalation of the conflict.
Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, in a Facebook post stated that shipping lines cannot legitimately impose such surcharges on goods shipped approximately 30 days before the start of the conflict. He emphasized that any claims of additional charges must be supported by the bill of lading for proper verification.
Professor Gyampo further explained that while some global shipping companies have issued notices indicating possible surcharges due to geopolitical tensions, the documentation currently circulating locally appears “strange and off,” which raises concerns about potential billing errors or misinterpretations.
He assured that the Ghana Shippers Authority will thoroughly investigate the matter once the relevant shipping documents are submitted. The Authority also plans to provide clear guidance to importers and shippers to ensure compliance with international shipping regulations and to prevent unjustified charges.
In addition, the Authority is engaging with shipping lines and relevant stakeholders to clarify the situation and to ensure that any surcharge implementations adhere strictly to established international shipping policies. This proactive approach aims to protect Ghanaian importers from unwarranted financial burdens and to maintain transparency in the shipping process amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.