The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has strongly rejected allegations of wrongdoing in its handling of the vessel MV Sankofa, insisting that it acted strictly within the law and had no jurisdiction over the vessel when it was later intercepted in Senegalese waters.
The clarification follows concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, who is also Vice-Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interests.
He has questioned the circumstances under which the vessel was released from Ghanaian waters in 2025, raising suspicions about its possible involvement in illicit drug trafficking.
Vessel not on Ghana register – GMA
Authority says ship had been formally deregistered in 2024
In a statement, the GMA maintained that the vessel in question is not on Ghana’s shipping register and therefore cannot be linked to the country.
It explained that “the vessel that is the subject of public commentary, identified as MV Sankofa with IMO No 7395870, was first registered in 1983 under the Ghana flag as a fishing trawler MV KAAS 105.
It was later registered as MV AFKO 312 in 1987 and finally as MV Marine 711 in 2011.”
The Authority further stated that in 2024, the owners applied for deregistration after completing the required processes, including the surrender of its Certificate of Ghanaian Registry.
“The vessel was officially deregistered and deleted from the Ghana Ship Registry on 23rd April 2024,” it said.
The GMA emphasised that neither MV Sankofa with IMO No 7395870 nor another vessel previously bearing the same name with IMO No 907855 is currently on Ghana’s register.
Vessel was fined for regulatory breaches in 2025
Touching on the vessel’s encounter with Ghanaian authorities in 2025, the GMA explained that MV Sankofa was sighted by the Ghana Navy on July 18, 2025, during routine patrols and escorted to the Sekondi Naval Base for inspection.
According to the Authority, inspections by the Ghana Navy and GMA revealed breaches of maritime labour and environmental laws, including failure to maintain required records and evidence of false flagging.
It said the vessel was fined $79,200 for marine pollution breaches, GH¢154,800 for maritime labour violations, and GH¢30,000 for false flagging.
Although initial suspicions suggested possible commercial activity, the GMA said further checks ruled this out, preventing a potential $1 million penalty.
Release of Vessel in November 2025
The Authority stated that the vessel was released in November 2025 after complying with required conditions, including remedial actions, payment of part of the fines, and acquisition of a provisional Cameroonian certificate of registry.
On the vessel’s later interception in Senegal, the GMA said it immediately clarified Ghana’s position when contacted by Senegalese authorities.
It stated that the vessel is not registered in Ghana and formally disassociated the country from its activities.
The Authority also noted that no illicit drugs were found during searches conducted by Senegalese authorities and that the vessel was operating with electronic documents indicating Cameroonian registration.
“As previously stated, the vessel was released by the GMA and the Ghana Navy in November 2025. Its current presence in Senegalese waters has no relation to Ghana,” it stressed.
GMA Questions Conduct of MP
The GMA also criticised the conduct of the Akuapem North MP, describing his actions as inconsistent and damaging to its reputation.
It said it was surprised that the MP opted for media engagements instead of formal parliamentary processes after indicating willingness to engage the Authority.
The GMA further expressed concern over the publication of sensitive communications between Ghanaian and Senegalese authorities, stating that such documents were restricted to a few officials.
It warned that the disclosure of such information could undermine international law enforcement cooperation.
Commitment to maritime compliance
Despite the controversy, the GMA assured the public of its commitment to professionalism and strict compliance with national and international maritime regulations.
It said all vessel inspections, monitoring, enforcement, and registration processes are conducted in line with established legal and regulatory standards.
