The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) has stepped in to protect local businesses from the mounting financial pressure of war risk surcharges imposed by shipping lines, as global trade routes continue to be disrupted by geopolitical tensions.
The intervention, announced by GSA Chief Executive Officer Professor Ransford Gyampo, aims to mitigate the impact of the additional fees on Ghanaian importers and exporters, who are already grappling with high operational costs.
War risk surcharges are premiums added to freight costs by shipping lines to cover the increased insurance and security expenses of navigating vessels through zones deemed high-risk due to conflict or instability. Recent escalations in global hotspots have led to a sharp increase in these charges, affecting trade corridors vital to Ghana’s imports and exports.
Professor Gyampo confirmed that the Authority is engaging directly with shipping lines and their representative bodies to challenge the surcharges and negotiate fairer terms for Ghanaian shippers. The GSA is also reviewing the basis upon which these fees are being calculated to ensure they are transparent and justifiable.
“These unpredictable surcharges are creating significant challenges for local businesses, disrupting supply chains and inflating the cost of goods,” a statement from the Shippers’ Authority indicated. The intervention is part of the GSA’s mandate to protect the commercial interests of Ghanaian shippers and maintain the competitiveness of the country’s trade sector.
The move has been welcomed by local businesses and trade associations, who have been feeling the squeeze from the additional logistics costs. The GSA has urged affected businesses to remain calm and is expected to provide further updates as negotiations with the shipping lines progress.
