Akuapem North Member of Parliament Sammy Awuku has demanded a full account of how the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) handled the vessel MV Sankofa. Mr. Awuku specifically questioned the waiver of a US$1 million statutory penalty, equivalent to approximately GHS 14 million, initially imposed on the vessel.
The legislator raised concerns about the vessel's seaworthiness, its registration status, and its eventual clearance to leave Ghanaian waters. The Ghana Navy intercepted MV Sankofa off Axim on July 22, 2025, with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched off. A subsequent GMA inspection report dated July 27, 2025, identified 14 serious deficiencies, including missing statutory certificates and essential record books.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about maritime security and regulatory oversight in Ghana's waters. The MV Sankofa's alleged lack of proper registration and its unseaworthy condition raise questions about the effectiveness of port state control measures. Such lapses can impact Ghana's international standing and its ability to combat illicit maritime activities, including potential drug trafficking.
Mr. Awuku stated that São Tomé and Príncipe, the flag state the vessel purported to fly, denied ever registering it. The GMA initially concluded the MV Sankofa was not seaworthy. However, the authority later waived the US$1 million penalty, citing no evidence the vessel had been trading in Ghana. Mr. Awuku argues this explanation does not fully address the wider circumstances of the vessel's presence.
The MP has identified three key questions for authorities to answer. First, he seeks the precise legal basis for the US$1 million penalty waiver. Second, he wants an explanation for a US$60,000 difference in pollution-related penalties. An inspection report recorded these penalties at US$139,200, while an RTI response cited US$79,200. Third, Mr. Awuku demands to know who authorised the MV Sankofa's departure and what evidence confirmed its deficiencies were resolved.
The implications of this challenge are significant for Ghana's maritime governance and its fight against illegal activities at sea. A lack of transparency in such cases can erode public trust and potentially encourage further breaches of maritime law. Decision-makers will need to provide clear answers to maintain the integrity of Ghana's regulatory framework and its commitment to international maritime standards.
Mr. Awuku plans to write to Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who oversees the GMA, and the Authority's Governing Board. He will request the legal opinion or Board decision supporting the penalty waiver. He also seeks a full reconciliation of the pollution-related penalties and the identity of the official who authorised the vessel's departure. Furthermore, he intends to contact the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regarding concerns about the vessel's purported registration.
The MP emphasized that a vessel found unseaworthy, with questionable registration and missing essential documentation, should not leave Ghana without a complete explanation. He called for openness and accountability from the GMA. The MV Sankofa reportedly left Ghana on November 14, 2025, under Cameroonian registration. It was later detained in Senegal in connection with a drug investigation, reportedly flying the Ghanaian flag at that time. This further complicates the narrative and underscores the need for thorough investigation.