Akuapem North Member of Parliament and Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interests, Sammi Awuku, has formally invoked the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) to demand comprehensive records from the Ghana Maritime Authority over its handling of the controversial vessel, MV Sankofa.
In a detailed request addressed to the Authority’s leadership, the legislator is seeking clarity on the vessel’s entry into Ghanaian waters, its detention, compliance with maritime regulations, and the circumstances surrounding its eventual departure.
MV Sankofa is reported to have been detained in Ghana in July 2025 over regulatory breaches but was later allowed to depart under unclear conditions. Subsequent reports indicate that the vessel was intercepted in Senegal in connection with alleged illicit drug trafficking, raising broader concerns about enforcement lapses.
The request aims to establish a complete timeline of the vessel’s movements, including its points of entry and exit, port of call, and the flag under which it operated during its stay in Ghana. It also seeks confirmation on whether the vessel was formally arrested or detained, the legal basis for any enforcement action, and whether sanctions, fines, or prosecutions were pursued.
Additionally, the MP is requesting details on whether any penalties were waived, whether undertakings were entered into with the vessel’s operators, and whether all identified regulatory deficiencies were addressed, supported by relevant documentation.
The move follows earlier public statements in which Mr. Awuku indicated his intention to raise the matter in Parliament. He had alleged that although the vessel was cited for regulatory breaches while operating under a São Tomé flag, it was permitted to leave without clear evidence of sanctions being enforced.
He also pointed to inconsistencies in the vessel’s registration status, referencing conflicting accounts between Ghanaian and Senegalese authorities regarding whether MV Sankofa was formally registered in Ghana or merely operating under its flag.
Mr. Awuku has warned that the incident raises significant national security and reputational concerns, particularly in the context of past allegations linking Ghana to international drug trafficking networks. He has urged the Ghana Maritime Authority to respond within the timelines stipulated under the Right to Information Act, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability in maritime governance.
