Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has signalled a major parliamentary probe into the operations of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), following disturbing claims linking a vessel that docked in Ghana to alleged illicit drug trafficking.
Speaking in his capacity as Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interest, Awuku said he is determined to demand accountability from state institutions tasked with safeguarding national interest.
“I intend to perform my duties with the aim of assisting these State Institutions in delivering on their mandate,” he stated, adding that he will “ask the right questions and demand the right answers” in the interest of the country.
Awuku warned that Ghana risks sliding back into troubling territory, referencing past allegations that painted the country as a hub for international drug trafficking.
“In the past, Ghana has suffered from allegations of being a haven for international illicit drug trade,” he noted, cautioning that recent developments suggest those concerns may be resurfacing.
The M/V Sankofa controversy
Central to the MP’s concerns is the vessel M/V Sankofa, which reportedly entered Ghana’s waters in July 2025 during the administration of John Mahama.
According to Awuku, the vessel was arrested by the GMA for multiple regulatory breaches while flying the flag of São Tomé. However, he claims there is no clear public record indicating how sanctions were applied before the ship was allowed to leave Ghanaian waters.
In a twist that has heightened concerns, the same vessel has since been intercepted in Senegal over alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking—after departing from Ghana.
Further complicating the issue, Awuku revealed that in correspondence between authorities in Senegal and Ghana, the GMA reportedly denied that the vessel—despite allegedly flying Ghana’s flag at some point—was registered in Ghana.
Formal request for answers
The Akuapem North MP says he will file a formal Request for Information to the GMA, demanding clarity on critical aspects of the vessel’s movements and the Authority’s actions.
Key areas of inquiry include:
- When and under what flag the vessel entered and exited Ghana
- Whether it was officially arrested or detained, and on what grounds
- What sanctions, fines, or prosecutions—if any—were carried out
- Whether penalties were paid, and how much was recovered by the state
Awuku insists that obtaining clear answers is crucial to determining whether there were lapses in enforcement or oversight.
Accountability and next steps
The MP maintains that his intervention is not merely political, but a necessary step to protect Ghana’s international reputation and ensure that regulatory institutions remain effective and transparent.
“I believe with the right answers we can proceed to the next set of issues surrounding this violation of our laws,” he said.
The development is expected to trigger broader scrutiny of maritime enforcement systems in Ghana, particularly as global attention intensifies around transnational crime and port security.
