All 71 Ghanaian fishermen who were left stranded at sea following Wednesday night’s armed attack near Senya Bereku have been safely rescued and accounted for.
Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi confirmed the development on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, describing the rescue as a coordinated national security response that prioritised saving lives.
“By the grace of God, all 71 fishermen have been found and rescued. They have all safely arrived at the Ghana coast and can be accounted for. They are all Ghanaian fishermen who went to work,” he said.
The attack occurred on Wednesday, February 25, during a night fishing expedition in the waters off the Awutu Senya District in the Central Region.
Armed men reportedly fired warning shots, held the fishermen at gunpoint, and made away with seven outboard motors, generators, and other valuables.
The incident initially left more than 50 fishermen stranded at sea after their motors were seized.
Mr. Brogya Genfi clarified that although the fishermen were threatened, they were not physically harmed.
“Nobody was hurt. They were not held hostage. The robbers only wanted the outboard motors, so they took them away, and the fishermen were stranded at sea,” he explained.
He disclosed that he received a distress call around 10pm from the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh, who quickly mobilised and coordinated efforts to support the rescue mission. “She has been helpful,” he noted.
According to the Deputy Minister, the Ghana Armed Forces immediately activated a rescue operation.
The Ghana Air Force deployed surveillance aircraft, while the Eastern and Western Naval Commands joined the operation to comb the area.
“The first important thing was to rescue the people,” he stressed, adding that security agencies are maintaining surveillance in the area.
Although no arrests have been made so far, Mr. Brogya Genfi assured that investigations are ongoing. He indicated that the timing of the attack and the swift response by security agencies are key factors guiding the continuing operation.
The successful rescue has brought relief to families and fishing communities in Senya Bereku, even as authorities intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators behind the sea robbery.
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