The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has pushed back against claims made by the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Hon. Samuel Awuku, regarding the vessel MV Sankofa (IMO No. 7395870), insisting that the ship has no current links to Ghana and is not registered under its flag.
In a statement issued, the Authority said it was “concerned” about the MP’s ongoing public commentary and media engagements on the matter, which it believes risk misinforming the public.
“The vessel in question was officially deregistered and deleted from the Ghana Ship Registry on 23rd April 2024,” the GMA stated, emphasizing that it is no longer a Ghanaian-flagged vessel.
According to the Authority, the ship has operated under multiple identities over the years, including MV KAAS 105, MV AFKO 312, and MV Marine 711, before its eventual deregistration.
The Ghana Maritime Authority also clarified that another vessel previously named MV Sankofa (IMO No. 907855) had been removed from the registry as far back as October 2021.
“The GMA… wishes to state that neither the vessel in question with IMO No. 7395870 nor the vessel with IMO No. 907855 is on Ghana’s register,” the statement stressed.
Detention and Violations
The Authority detailed that the vessel was intercepted by the Ghana Navy on July 18, 2025, during routine patrols in Ghana’s territorial waters and escorted to the Sekondi Naval Base for inspection.
Investigations uncovered multiple infractions, including breaches of maritime labour regulations, violations under the Marine Pollution Act, 2016 (Act 932), and evidence of false flagging.
“These included the failure to maintain relevant record books, as well as evidence of false flagging,” the GMA said.
As a result, the vessel was fined $79,200 for pollution-related breaches, GH₵154,800 for labour violations, and GH₵30,000 for false flagging.
However, the Authority noted that suspicions of illegal commercial activity within Ghanaian waters were not substantiated after further inspection.
“Further inspections confirmed this was not the case. Consequently, a fine which could have carried a maximum penalty of $1 million could not be imposed,” it explained.
The vessel was eventually released in November 2025 after partial payment of fines, technical compliance, and acquisition of provisional registration under Cameroon.
Senegal Incident
The controversy resurfaced in March 2026 when Senegalese authorities contacted the GMA over suspicions that the vessel was involved in drug trafficking.
The Authority said it promptly clarified Ghana’s position. “The GMA responded explicitly disassociating the Republic of Ghana from all activities involving the said vessel,” the statement said.
Subsequent searches by Senegalese officials reportedly found no illicit drugs on board, while documentation indicated the vessel was operating under the Cameroonian flag.
Concerns Over MP’s Conduct
Beyond the vessel’s status, the GMA also raised concerns about Hon. Awuku’s handling of the issue, describing his actions as inconsistent with his initial intent to pursue parliamentary oversight.
“It came as a surprise that the MP subsequently abandoned that formal approach but instead resorted to media engagements,” the Authority noted, adding that some of these engagements “sought to misinform the public.”
The GMA further questioned the circulation of internal communications, including correspondence between Ghanaian and Senegalese authorities.
“It is deeply concerning that the MP chose to publicise important communication which compromised the law enforcement relationship between two countries,” the statement said.
Commitment to Standards
Reaffirming its mandate, the Authority maintained that all its actions were carried out in accordance with both national and international maritime regulations.
“The Authority assures the public that all of its activities are conducted in strict compliance with national laws and international maritime regulatory standards,” it said.
It added that it remains committed to transparency and safeguarding Ghana’s maritime interests, while distancing the country from any ongoing activities involving the vessel.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
