Gyampo pledges to probe alleged emergency surcharge

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, says he has initiated investigations into allegations that some shipping lines have introduced an emergency conflict surcharge.

Professor Gyampo disclosed that the Authority has not received any official communication from shipping lines about the alleged charge but is already taking steps to verify claims circulating online.

“We have not officially been informed about any Emergency Conflict Surcharge of any shipping line,” he stated.

According to him, the issue first came to his attention through a complaint shared on social media, which immediately prompted action from the Authority.

“However, we saw a complaint about this on social media just last night and as CEO, I have not slept throughout the night,” he said.

Professor Gyampo explained that he personally contacted the individual who made the complaint and requested documentary evidence to support the claim.

“I have reached out to the complainant, demanded the necessary documentary evidence and have as of this morning, initiated an investigation to address the matter,” he noted.

He clarified that the Ghana Shippers Authority does not impose or collect the alleged surcharge being discussed online, stressing that shipping lines determine their own international charges.

“It is not the Ghana Shippers Authority that imposed or is collecting the alleged surcharge,” he said.

Professor Gyampo also explained the regulatory scope of the Authority, noting that shipping lines are independent operators responsible for setting their own charges related to shipping services.

He added that the role of the Ghana Shippers Authority is limited to regulating local charges imposed by shipping lines within the country.

“Shipping lines are owners of ships who issue their own charges. The Ghana Shippers Authority regulates the local charges of the shipping lines,” he explained.

The CEO assured stakeholders that the Authority will thoroughly examine the complaint once the requested documents are received and determine the appropriate course of action.