Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has intensified scrutiny of Ghana’s maritime oversight systems following what he describes as troubling discrepancies in the handling of a vessel, M/V Sankofa, which was later linked to alleged drug trafficking activities.
In an earlier public statement, Sammy Awuku, who also serves as vice chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interest, raised concerns about what he believes could point to lapses within the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
According to the MP, the vessel in question was reportedly arrested by the GMA in July 2025 for multiple regulatory breaches while operating in Ghanaian waters. At the time of its detention, the ship was said to be flying the flag of São Tomé.
However, he noted that there appears to be no publicly available record detailing how sanctions were applied or whether the vessel fulfilled all compliance requirements before being allowed to leave Ghana’s jurisdiction.
“What is particularly concerning,” he indicated, “is that the same vessel was later intercepted in Senegal for allegedly transporting illicit drugs after departing Ghana’s shores.”
He further claimed to have sighted correspondence in which the GMA denied that the vessel, despite reportedly flying Ghana’s flag at some point, was registered in Ghana.
He warned that such developments risk reviving longstanding allegations that Ghana could be used as a transit point for international drug trafficking, a reputation Ghana has worked hard to dispel over the years.
Building on these concerns, Sammy Awuku has formally invoked the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 (Act 989), submitting an official request to the GMA seeking detailed clarification on the vessel’s activities and the authority’s actions.
In the RTI letter, dated April 13, 2026, the legislator requested comprehensive information on the vessel’s entry into Ghanaian waters, including the date of arrival, its first port of call, and the national flag it flew upon entry and departure.
He also asked for the exact date the vessel exited Ghana’s territorial waters.
Beyond entry records, he is demanding clarity on enforcement actions. He queried whether the vessel was indeed arrested or detained by the GMA, the specific regulatory breaches cited, and the timeline of such actions.
Additionally, the request probes deeper into accountability measures. Sammy Awuku is seeking information on whether any individuals or entities were prosecuted, whether sanctions were imposed, and if fines or penalties were paid, along with the total amounts and dates of payment.
The letter also asks whether the vessel rectified all identified deficiencies before its release and whether there is documentary evidence to support compliance.
Sammy Awuku emphasised that his actions are in the public interest, aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the enforcement of Ghana’s maritime laws.
Read the full statement below
