The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has begun investigations into reports that some shipping service providers have imposed war risk surcharges on cargo even before the escalation of the armed conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The authority said it had been inundated with reports on social media alleging that certain surcharges were being applied to shipments destined for Ghana prior to the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on February 28, 2026.
A statement issued by the GSA in Accra on March 11, 2026, said, “The claims were currently under investigation to determine whether any shipping service providers had breached industry regulations or engaged in unfair practices.”
The authority emphasised that it had not imposed surcharges on shipments on behalf of shipping lines, but rather regulated the charges of shipping service providers to ensure fairness, protect the interests of Ghanaian consumers and reduce the cost of doing business.
The investigation comes at a time when global maritime trade was experiencing disruptions due to the ongoing conflict, which has affected vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors.
UNCTAD analysis
According to recent analysis by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Strait of Hormuz carried about a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and handled significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The waterway is also responsible for about one-third of global seaborne fertiliser trade, estimated at around 16 million tonnes annually.
The authority explained that any disruption to traffic through the Strait, therefore, would have far-reaching consequences for global supply chains, energy markets and the movement of agricultural inputs.
Following the escalation of hostilities, several major international shipping lines have reportedly suspended or rerouted vessel movements through the region to avoid potential security threats.
Vessel diversion
Many vessels are now being diverted through the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a move that significantly lengthens sailing distances, increases fuel consumption and results in operational delays.
The GSA said the diversion of vessels had also contributed to rising freight costs and logistical challenges for international trade.
Additionally, some global shipping lines have introduced war risk surcharges and emergency conflict surcharges on cargo originating from or transiting through the affected region.
Industry sources indicate that the war risk surcharge currently ranges between $1,500 and $2,000 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with additional charges likely to apply to 40-foot containers and refrigerated cargo.
Some carriers have also reportedly suspended or restricted bookings from certain Gulf origin ports to West African destinations due to the security situation.
The GSA stated that these additional charges could ultimately increase the overall cost of imports into Ghana, particularly for goods sourced from Asia and the Middle East.
The authority noted that such developments could result in higher freight rates, longer transit times, supply chain disruptions and possible increases in the landed cost of imported goods.
GSA’s caution
The GSA further cautioned that delays in vessel availability and changes in shipping schedules could affect the movement of goods into the country.
In light of the evolving situation, the authority has advised shippers in Ghana to engage proactively with shipping lines and logistics providers to clarify freight rates and any surcharges that may apply to their consignments.
Importers and exporters have also been urged to factor potential shipping delays and cost adjustments into their commercial and contractual planning, while reviewing insurance arrangements where necessary.
The GSA said it would continue to closely monitor developments in global maritime trade and provide updates to stakeholders as the situation unfolds.
It reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in shipping charges and warned that any unjustified imposition of surcharges would be addressed in accordance with the authority’s regulatory mandate.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
