The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has confirmed it is investigating reports that some international shipping lines began imposing war risk surcharges on cargo well before the Middle East conflict escalated on February 28, 2026, as it warned businesses across the country to prepare for higher freight costs and supply chain disruptions.
The probe follows complaints from Ghanaian importers who said they had been billed unexpected surcharges, with GSA Chief Executive Officer Professor Ransford Gyampo disclosing that investigations into one such case found a global shipping line had activated a war risk clause through an automated billing system that then applied charges to consignments predating the surcharge’s effective date.
The GSA said it has received numerous social media reports alleging the imposition of war risk surcharges before hostilities intensified and has assured the shipping public that any breaches or unfair commercial practices uncovered will be forcefully addressed.
The broader disruption follows the escalation of armed conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has severely affected vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysis by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) shows the Strait carries roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade, significant volumes of liquefied natural gas, and approximately one-third of global seaborne fertiliser trade, making any sustained closure a serious risk to global supply chains.
Analysts have warned of maximum disruption to global logistics flows as vessel attacks, port congestion and fuel constraints intensify pressure on shipping operators navigating or diverting away from the waterway. Many carriers have rerouted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, a substantially longer alternative that increases fuel consumption, voyage time and operational costs.
Shipping lines have introduced war risk surcharges ranging from US$1,500 to US$2,000 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), with additional charges applying to 40-foot containers and refrigerated cargo. The GSA cautioned that such costs are likely to increase the landed price of imports, particularly goods sourced from Asia and the Middle East, and warned of possible delays in vessel availability and shipping schedule changes affecting Ghanaian businesses.
The Authority was at pains to clarify that it does not impose any surcharges on behalf of shipping lines. Its mandate is to regulate the charges of shipping service providers to ensure fairness, protect Ghanaian consumers and reduce the cost of doing business. It urged importers and exporters to engage proactively with shipping lines and logistics providers, incorporate potential cost adjustments into contractual planning, and review insurance arrangements where necessary.
The GSA said it will continue tracking developments in global shipping routes and provide updates to the trade community as the situation evolves.
