The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has issued a formal rejection of public claims made by Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku concerning the controversial vessel MV Sankofa, escalating a political row that now risks affecting Ghana’s law-enforcement cooperation with Senegal.
What Happened to the Vessel
The MV Sankofa was intercepted in Senegalese waters on 23 March 2026 on suspicion of narcotics trafficking. Senegalese authorities contacted Ghana to verify the vessel’s status. Ghana promptly clarified the vessel is not registered in Ghana and formally disassociated from its activities within 24 hours. Senegalese authorities later confirmed that no illicit drugs were found onboard, and electronic documentation showed the vessel is registered under the Cameroonian flag.
The Political Row
Sammi Awuku, Vice-Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interests, first signalled his intention to question the Authority in a Facebook post on 9 April 2026. In a letter dated 13 April, he invoked the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), demanding clarification on the circumstances under which the vessel was reportedly detained in Ghana and later allowed to depart.
GMA’s Response
In a statement dated 22 April 2026, the GMA expressed concern over what it described as “repeated public remarks and media engagements” by the MP. The Authority highlighted the circulation of restricted security correspondence between Ghana and Senegal, warning that publication of such documents “risks undermining law enforcement cooperation” between the two countries.
Why This Matters
The dispute is no longer a routine parliamentary query: it has crossed into inter-agency security protocols. Ghana and Senegal cooperate closely on West African maritime security, and the GMA’s public rebuke suggests Accra considers the precedent serious. Awuku is expected to respond to the Authority’s statement in the coming days.
Follow Vibes Uncut Media for continuing coverage of the MV Sankofa row.
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