The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North,Samuel Awuku has formally filed 11 questions under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), at the Ghana Maritime Authority seeking clarity on the handling of the vessel M/V Sankofa.
According to the MP, the vessel was reportedly detained in Ghana for regulatory breaches but later allowed to depart, only to be intercepted in Senegal in connection with the alleged transportation of illicit drugs.
In a letter dated 13 April 2026, addressed to the Information Officer of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Samuel Awuku, who is also Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interests, described the matter as one of significant public interest concerning maritime safety, regulatory compliance, and national security.
According to the RTI request, the M/V Sankofa entered Ghana’s territorial waters, was reportedly arrested or detained by the Authority for unspecified regulatory breaches, and was subsequently permitted to leave under circumstances that remain unclear. The vessel was later intercepted in Senegal over alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
The 11 specific questions posed by the MP are grouped under three main categories. Under vessel entry and identification, he asked on what date the M/V Sankofa entered Ghana’s territorial waters, what was the first port of call or docking point for the vessel in Ghana, under which national flag the M/V Sankofa entered Ghana, and on what date the M/V Sankofa departed Ghana’s territorial waters.
Under arrest and enforcement actions, he inquired whether the M/V Sankofa was ever arrested or detained by the Ghana Maritime Authority, if yes on what date the vessel was arrested or detained, and what general category of regulatory breaches formed the basis for the arrest or detention, such as safety, documentation, or operational compliance.
Under sanctions and compliance, he asked whether any sanctions were imposed on the vessel or its operators, whether the vessel or its operators paid any administrative fines or penalties to the State, if yes what was the total amount paid as fines or penalties, and if no fines were imposed what administrative measures were taken by the Authority to ensure compliance prior to the vessel’s departure.
Samuel Awuku requested that the information be provided within 14 days of receipt of the letter, in line with the timelines under the Right to Information Act. He further asked for all responses to be sent to his email.
The MP emphasised that the request is made in the public interest to ensure accountability in the enforcement of Ghana’s maritime laws and to safeguard the country’s reputation and security.
