The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has advised importers and exporters to actively engage shipping lines and logistics providers over freight rates and related surcharges to avoid potential disruptions to their operations.
The Authority urged businesses involved in international trade to incorporate possible shipping delays and cost adjustments into their contractual 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 important shipping corridors linking Asia, the Middle East and other global markets.
It explained that analysis by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) shows the Strait of Hormuz carries about a quarter of global seaborne oil trade, large volumes of liquefied natural gas, and nearly one-third of global seaborne fertilizer 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 statement said.
The Authority noted that many carriers are diverting vessels through the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a route that significantly increases sailing distances and is likely to result in operational delays and higher shipping costs.
It further indicated that some shipping lines have introduced war risk and emergency conflict surcharges on cargo passing through or originating from the affected region.
The GSA explained that such charges are standard industry measures intended to offset higher insurance premiums, additional security requirements, longer transit times and increased fuel consumption associated with navigating high-risk maritime zones.
Current estimates suggest that war risk surcharges could range between 1,500 and 2,000 US dollars per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with higher charges likely for 40-foot containers and refrigerated cargo.
The Authority also warned that some carriers may restrict or suspend bookings from certain Gulf ports to West African destinations.
It cautioned that these developments could lead to higher freight rates, extended transit times and possible supply chain disruptions for certain commodities imported into Ghana.
Such changes, it said, could ultimately increase the landed cost of goods and affect shipping schedules for businesses.
The GSA therefore encouraged shippers to review their insurance arrangements where necessary and closely monitor developments in global shipping routes and fuel prices.
The Authority assured stakeholders that it would continue to track the evolving situation within the global shipping industry and provide updates when necessary.
However, the GSA clarified that it had 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 Authority explained that its mandate is to regulate charges imposed by shipping service providers to ensure fairness, protect the interests of Ghanaian consumers and help reduce the cost of doing business.
It added that it had received numerous social media reports alleging the imposition of war risk surcharges even before the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East.
The GSA said the matter is currently under investigation and assured the shipping public that any breaches or unfair practices uncovered would be addressed to safeguard the interests of shippers in the country.
