The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ransford Gyampo, has criticised shipping lines for imposing what importers describe as an “Emergency Conflict Surcharge” of about $1,000 per container on cargo destined for Ghana.
The surcharge, reportedly applied by major global shipping companies including CMA CGM and Maersk, has drawn complaints from importers who argue that the additional charge is being levied on goods that were shipped weeks before tensions escalated in parts of the Middle East.
In a Facebook post reacting to a complaint circulated by a shipping industry stakeholder, Gyampo questioned the justification for applying the surcharge to containers already in transit.
“Is it right for shipping lines to charge Ghanaian importers an ‘Emergency Conflict Surcharge’ of $1,000 per container for goods which were shipped 30 days ago, before the conflict?” the post said, describing the move as “daylight robbery.”
The complaint cited a charge labelled “Emergency Conflict Surcharge” applied to a 40-foot high-cube container, with value-added tax also applied as indicated in the billing description.
Industry players say the surcharge is being introduced by shipping companies as a response to heightened security risks and disruptions in global shipping routes following tensions in the Middle East, which have affected maritime traffic and insurance costs.
However, importers argue that applying the fee retroactively to shipments already dispatched before the conflict escalated is unfair and increases the cost burden on businesses and consumers.
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has previously engaged shipping lines and industry stakeholders over container surcharges and other port-related charges, which businesses say significantly raise the cost of doing business in Ghana.
Gyampo’s comments suggest the authority may examine the matter as concerns grow among importers about additional charges imposed on international cargo shipments.
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