The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has not and does not impose surcharges on shipments on behalf of Shipping Lines.
It regulates charges of Shipping Service Providers to ensure fairness, protection of the interest of the Ghanaian consumer, and reduction in the cost of doing business.
The Authority made this clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, in response to social media reports on the imposition of war risk surcharges by the GSA even before the conflict in the Middle East broke out on February 28, 2026.
The clarification follows reports of war risk surcharges being imposed by shipping lines amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
It stated that this is currently being investigated, assuring the shipping public that where there are breaches and unfair treatments, they would be forcefully addressed.
The notice explained that several major shipping lines have introduced war risk surcharges and emergency conflict surcharges following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Currently announced surcharges include approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per container, with additional charges for 40-foot containers and refrigerated containers.
The Authority stated that following the escalation of hostilities, several major international shipping lines have suspended or rerouted vessel movements through the region.
Most carriers have diverted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, resulting in longer sailing distances, operational delays, and increased shipping costs.
The notice explained that it is a global industry practice for shipping lines to introduce War Risk Surcharges and Emergency Surcharges when vessels operate in or near conflict-affected regions.
These charges are intended to offset the substantial increase in operational risks and costs associated with navigating high-risk maritime areas.
The Authority stated that in such situations, marine war risk insurance premiums rise sharply, and shipping companies may incur additional costs related to security measures, rerouting of vessels, longer transit times, and higher fuel consumption.
It explained that these surcharges serve as temporary cost-recovery mechanisms to cover elevated insurance, security, and operational expenses until the security situation stabilizes.
The notice indicated that the charges are expected to increase the overall cost of imports into Ghana, particularly for goods originating from Asia and the Middle East.
The Authority outlined possible implications for shippers in Ghana, including higher freight rates and shipping costs, longer transit times due to vessel rerouting, supply chain disruptions for certain commodities, possible increase in landed cost of imported goods, delays in vessel availability, and changes in shipping schedules.
It stated that possible suspension or restriction of bookings from certain Gulf origin ports to West African destinations may occur.
The notice cited a recent analysis by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) indicating that the Strait of Hormuz carries about one-quarter of global seaborne oil trade, handles substantial volumes of liquefied natural gas, and approximately one-third of global seaborne fertilizer trade passes through the Strait.
The Authority stated that any disruption to traffic through the Strait has far-reaching consequences for global supply chains, energy markets, and agricultural inputs.
It advised shippers to engage proactively with shipping lines and logistics providers regarding freight rates and surcharges, factor potential shipping delays and cost adjustments into contractual and commercial planning, review insurance arrangements where necessary, and monitor developments in global shipping routes and fuel prices.
The Authority stated that it will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide further updates where necessary.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
