The New Patriotic Member of Parliament for Akuapem North and Vice Chairman for Committee on Public Administration and State Interest, Sammi Awuku is demanding answers over the circumstances under which a vessel named M/V Sankofa departed Ghana. Mr. Awuku has formally requested for information from the Ghana Maritime Authority over the handling of the vessel, which was detained but later cleared for departure from Ghana’s shores only for it to be intercepted in Senegal on suspicion of drug trafficking. According to the MP, the development raises concerns over regulatory compliance, enforcement actions, and national security implications.
In a letter dated Monday, April 13, 2026 to the Chief Executive of the Ghana Maritime Authority, under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) the lawmaker demanded full disclosure on the vessel’s entry, inspection, detention, and eventual exit from Ghana’s territorial waters.
According Mr. Awuku the matters at hand are of a significant public interest especially bothering on the operational decisions of the Authority.
In the letter the MP 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 RTI request demanded 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.
The request further demanded 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 MP had questioned the circumstances the vessel was released only for it to be detained by the Senegalese Navy.
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.
Per the RTI Act, the Ghana Maritime Authority has 14 days to respond after receipt of the request.
