The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has formally requested detailed information from the Ghana Maritime Authority over the handling and departure of the vessel M/V Sankofa, raising concerns about regulatory compliance, enforcement actions, and national security implications.
In a letter dated Monday, April 13, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Executive of the Authority, the MP invoked the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) to demand full disclosure on the vessel’s entry, inspection, detention, and eventual exit from Ghana’s territorial waters.
Awuku, who also serves as Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interest, said the request was prompted by what he described as matters of significant public interest surrounding the maritime regulator’s operational decisions.
He specifically questioned the circumstances under which M/V Sankofa was reportedly detained for regulatory breaches but later allowed to leave Ghana under unclear conditions. He further referenced reports suggesting that after departing Ghana, the vessel was intercepted in Senegal in connection with alleged illicit drug trafficking.
The MP’s request seeks comprehensive details, including the date of the vessel’s arrival and departure, its flag status on entry and exit, and the identity of its first port of call in Ghana. He also asked whether the vessel was formally detained, the grounds for any enforcement action, and whether prosecutions or sanctions followed.
Additionally, Awuku is seeking information on whether fines were imposed or paid, whether any penalties were waived, and who authorized such decisions, if applicable. He also requested documentation confirming whether any operational deficiencies identified during inspection were fully rectified.
The move places renewed scrutiny on maritime enforcement procedures and the transparency of regulatory actions within Ghana’s blue economy sector.
Sammi Awuku had earlier suggested that the vessel was detained in Senegal and boarded by the Senegalese Navy after it was allowed to leave Ghana.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Maritime Authority, in a statement on April 11, dismissed suggestions of a cover-up or implying procedural lapses. The Authority maintained that its operations are conducted in strict compliance with national laws and international maritime standards.
It also emphasised its readiness to cooperate fully with Parliament if formally invited, stressing that its mandate is guided by the safety and security of Ghana’s maritime domain.
“Should the Authority be invited by Parliament, the Authority is fully ready and willing to provide all necessary details and engage transparently with the House,” the GMA stated.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, accountability, and effective regulation of Ghana’s maritime sector as public attention continues to grow over the case.
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