The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has issued a detailed response to ongoing public commentary by Samuel Awuku, Member of Parliament for Akwapim North, regarding the vessel MV Sankofa, firmly rejecting suggestions linking the ship to Ghana.
In a press release dated April 22, 2026, the Authority expressed concern over what it described as persistent media engagements by the MP that risk misinforming the public and undermining the integrity of Ghana’s maritime regulatory system.
No Link Between MV Sankofa and Ghana
According to the GMA, the vessel in question-MV Sankofa (IMO No. 7395870)-has no current connection to Ghana. The ship was originally registered under different names dating back to 1983 but was officially removed from the Ghana Ship Registry on April 23, 2024, after its owners completed all required deregistration processes.
The Authority further clarified that another vessel bearing the name “Sankofa” (IMO No. 907855), registered in 2014, was also deregistered in 2021. It emphasized that under maritime regulations, no two vessels can bear the same name on Ghana’s registry simultaneously.
Details of 2025 Detention
The controversy stems partly from an incident in July 2025, when the vessel was intercepted in Ghanaian waters by the Ghana Navy during routine patrols.
The crew claimed the ship was undergoing sea trials after engine repairs, but further inspection revealed multiple violations, including breaches of maritime labour laws, failure to maintain proper records, and false flagging.
As a result, the GMA imposed fines totaling tens of thousands of dollars and Ghana cedis. However, investigations found no evidence that the vessel engaged in illegal commercial activity within Ghana’s ports, sparing it from a potential $1 million penalty.
After partial payment of fines and compliance measures including obtaining provisional registration from Cameroon the vessel was released in November 2025.
Senegal Drug Trafficking Suspicion Dismissed
In March 2026, authorities in Senegal contacted the GMA over suspicions that the vessel was involved in drug trafficking.
The GMA promptly clarified that the ship was not Ghanaian-registered and disassociated the country from its activities. A subsequent search by Senegalese officials found no illicit drugs onboard. Documentation indicated the vessel was operating under a Cameroonian flag.
GMA Criticizes MP’s Conduct
The Authority strongly criticized Mr. Awuku’s handling of the issue, accusing him of abandoning formal parliamentary channels in favor of media commentary that could damage Ghana’s reputation.
It also raised concerns about the circulation of sensitive communications between Ghanaian and Senegalese authorities, suggesting that such disclosures could undermine international security cooperation.
Despite these concerns, the GMA reaffirmed its willingness to respond to any formal inquiries, including Right to Information requests.
Commitment to Transparency and Integrity
The GMA concluded by assuring the public that its operations including vessel registration, inspections, and enforcement are conducted in strict adherence to national and international standards.
It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s maritime sector and maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and transparency.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotor online.com | Ghana 🇬🇭