Accra, Ghana – The Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interest, Sammi Awuku, has expressed concerns over potential lapses in the operations of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), raising the prospect of renewed scrutiny of the agency’s oversight responsibilities.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr. Awuku emphasized his commitment to ensuring state institutions deliver effectively on their mandates while remaining accountable to the nation.
“As Vice Chairman for Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interest, I intend to perform my duties with the aim of assisting these state institutions in delivering on their mandate and remaining committed to serving the nation,” he stated.
Mr. Awuku highlighted the importance of accountability from public officials tasked with protecting Ghana’s interests. “Today I will be asking the right questions and will demand the right answers from those expected to perform their duties in the interest of Mother Ghana,” he added.
The parliamentary official expressed concern over reports suggesting Ghana could again face allegations of being a hub for international illicit drug trafficking. He cited troubling information suggesting possible oversight lapses within the maritime regulatory framework.
The Ghana Maritime Authority is tasked with regulating Ghana’s maritime waters, ensuring the safety and security of shipping, protecting the marine environment, conducting ship inspections, registering vessels, and enforcing compliance with national and international maritime regulations.
Mr. Awuku specifically raised questions regarding the handling of the M/V Sankofa, a vessel arrested by GMA in July 2025 for multiple regulatory breaches. The vessel, which flew the flag of São Tomé at the time, was reportedly allowed to sail without clear records of sanctions. It has since been arrested in Senegal for allegedly transporting illicit drugs.
The Vice Chairman indicated that Parliament would request detailed information from GMA, covering vessel entry, flag registration, arrests, sanctions, prosecutions, and fines associated with the M/V Sankofa incident.
“I believe with the right answers, we can proceed to the next set of issues surrounding this violation of our laws,” Mr. Awuku stated.
The move underscores Parliament’s ongoing oversight role in ensuring that public institutions operate transparently and effectively, safeguarding Ghana’s maritime domain and national interests.
