Ghana Shippers’ Authority Urges Shippers to Engage Carriers Over Freight Charges

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has urged importers and exporters to actively engage shipping lines and logistics providers over freight rates and related surcharges to minimise disruptions to their businesses.

The Authority advised businesses involved in international trade to factor possible shipping delays and cost adjustments into their contractual arrangements and commercial planning.

In a statement issued in Accra, the GSA alerted stakeholders in Ghana’s shipping and logistics sector to emerging developments in global maritime trade following the escalation of an armed conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran on February 28, 2026.

According to the Authority, the conflict has disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic shipping corridors linking Asia, the Middle East and other global markets.

The GSA explained that analysis by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicates that the Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade, significant volumes of liquefied natural gas and nearly one-third of global seaborne fertiliser trade, estimated at about 16 million tonnes annually.

“The disruptions have compelled several major international shipping lines to suspend or reroute vessel movements through the region,” the Authority said.

Shipping Lines Rerouting Vessels

The GSA noted that many carriers are now diverting vessels through the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a much longer maritime route that significantly increases sailing distances.

According to the Authority, the rerouting is likely to result in operational delays and higher shipping costs for cargo destined for several global markets, including West Africa.

The statement further indicated that some shipping companies have already introduced war risk and emergency conflict surcharges on cargo passing through or originating from the affected region.

These charges, the GSA explained, are standard industry measures intended to offset higher insurance premiums, additional security requirements, longer transit times and increased fuel consumption associated with operating in high-risk maritime zones.

Industry estimates suggest that war risk surcharges could range between 1,500 and 2,000 US dollars per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with even higher charges likely for 40-foot containers and refrigerated cargo.

Potential Impact on Ghana’s Supply Chains

The Authority also warned that some shipping lines may restrict or suspend cargo bookings from certain Gulf ports to West African destinations.

Such developments, it cautioned, could lead to higher freight rates, extended transit times and potential supply chain disruptions for some goods imported into Ghana.

The GSA noted that the resulting increases in shipping costs could ultimately raise the landed cost of goods for businesses and consumers.

To mitigate these risks, the Authority encouraged shippers to review their insurance arrangements where necessary and closely monitor developments in global shipping routes, freight charges and fuel prices.

GSA Clarifies Its Role

Meanwhile, the Authority clarified that it has not imposed any surcharges on shipments on behalf of shipping lines.

“It must be clearly stated that the Ghana Shippers’ Authority has not and does not impose surcharges on shipments on behalf of shipping lines,” the statement emphasised.

The GSA explained that its mandate is to regulate charges imposed by shipping service providers in order to ensure fairness, protect the interests of Ghanaian consumers and reduce the cost of doing business.

According to the Authority, it has received numerous social media reports alleging the imposition of war risk surcharges even before the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East.

The matter, it said, is currently under investigation, with assurances that any breaches or unfair practices uncovered will be addressed to safeguard the interests of shippers and businesses operating in Ghana.