The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has debunked what it describes as false and misleading claims by Akuapem North Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Awuku, regarding the vessel MV Sankofa.

According to a statement issued by management, the vessel at the centre of the controversy has undergone multiple name and registry changes over the decades. It was first registered under the Ghana Flag in 1983 as MV KAAS 105, before being renamed MV AFKO 312 in 1987 and later MV Marine 711 in 2011.

The Authority stressed that the vessel was formally deregistered in April 2024 after its owners completed the mandatory procedures, including the surrender of its Ghanaian Certificate of Registry, and was subsequently deleted from the national ship registry.

The GMA further clarified that a separate vessel bearing the name MV SANKOFA (IMO No. 907855), registered in 2014, was also duly deregistered in October 2021 following standard regulatory processes. It emphasised that neither vessel is currently flagged under Ghana, adding that Ghana’s maritime protocols do not permit two active vessels to operate under the same name on its registry.

On the 2025 detention incident, the Authority reiterated that MV Sankofa (IMO No. 7395870) was intercepted by the Ghana Navy during patrols in July 2025 after being sighted within Ghana’s territorial waters.

While the crew initially indicated the vessel was undergoing sea trials after engine repairs, joint inspections by the Navy and GMA uncovered breaches of maritime labour regulations and violations of the Marine Pollution Act, 2016 (Act 932), leading to fines totalling about $79,200 and additional penalties in cedis.

The Authority added that the vessel was later released in November 2025 after partial payment of fines and the completion of remedial compliance measures, including the acquisition of a provisional registry certificate from Cameroon.

Addressing the more recent developments in Senegalese waters, the GMA confirmed that it was contacted by Senegalese maritime authorities in March 2026 regarding the same vessel, which was suspected of involvement in illicit narcotics trafficking.

The Authority stated that it promptly clarified that the vessel is not registered in Ghana and formally disassociated its activities.

It added that Senegalese authorities, after boarding and inspecting the vessel, reported that no discovery of illegal narcotics were found and was operating with electronic documentation indicating Cameroonian registration.

The GMA also expressed concern about what it described as growing public confusion, attributing it to inconsistencies in Mr. Awuku’s handling of the matter. It said these could undermine sensitive intergovernmental cooperation and compromise established security protocols between states.

However, the Authority has expressed readiness to appear before the relevant parliamentary committee, believing that the matter was not pursued through that formal channel.

The GMA further indicated that the Honorable Member initially lodged a Right to Information (RTI) request, which was later withdrawn. Subsequently, another RTI request was submitted to the Authority, and the stamped confirmation receipt issued to the MP’s courier appeared on social media platforms. However, the Authority still maintains to respond to the RTI request.

Reassuring its position, the Ghana Maritime Authority emphasised that its regulatory actions, including vessel inspections, enforcement measures, and registration procedures, are carried out strictly in accordance with national legislation and international maritime standards.

They insisted that its operations remain guided by professionalism, transparency, and the national interest, and pledged continued commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s maritime sector.