BY Daniel Bampoe
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North in the Eastern region, Samuel Kwabena Awuku, has initiated a formal probe into what he describes as troubling irregularities surrounding the handling of a vessel linked to alleged illicit drug trafficking, raising fresh concerns about the maritime regulatory systems.
In a strongly worded statement, the lawmaker—who also serves as Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interest—signalled his intention to subject key state institutions to rigorous scrutiny, beginning with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
He stressed that his role on the committee compels him to demand accountability from agencies entrusted with safeguarding national interests.
Awuku’s concerns are anchored in the past reputation, where the country has at times been cited in international circles as a transit point for illicit drug trade.
He warned that recent developments suggest the risk of a resurgence, pointing to intelligence he has encountered indicating possible lapses—or even complicity—within the maritime regulatory framework.
Central to the controversy is the vessel M/V Sankofa, which reportedly entered Ghanaian waters in July 2025 under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
According to Sammi Awuku, the vessel was arrested by the GMA for multiple breaches of maritime regulations while flying the flag of São Tomé.
However, he questioned the circumstances under which the ship was later allowed to leave Ghanaian waters without any publicly documented sanctions or enforcement actions.
The issue has taken a more serious turn following reports that the same vessel was subsequently arrested in Senegal for allegedly transporting illicit drugs after departing from Ghana.
Awuku further revealed that in correspondence between authorities in Senegal and Ghana that he has reviewed, the GMA denied that the vessel—despite at one point flying the flag—was registered in Ghana.
The apparent contradictions, he argues, raise critical questions about regulatory enforcement, documentation, and accountability within the maritime sector.
As part of his oversight responsibilities, Sammi Awuku announced plans to formally file a Request for Information to the GMA, seeking detailed clarification on the vessel’s movements, legal status, and the actions taken by authorities during its time in Ghanaian waters.
Among the key issues he intends to probe are the vessel’s entry and exit dates, its ports of call, and the flags under which it operated while in Ghana.
He is also demanding answers on whether the vessel was officially arrested or detained, the specific regulatory breaches identified, and whether any sanctions, prosecutions, or financial penalties were imposed.
Additionally, the MP is seeking transparency on whether any individuals or entities connected to the vessel were held accountable, including details on fines, penalties, and compliance measures enforced by the state.
Sammi Awuku insists that obtaining clear and verifiable answers is essential not only for addressing the immediate concerns surrounding the M/V Sankofa case but also for restoring confidence in Ghana’s maritime oversight regime.
“I will be asking the right questions and demanding the right answers from those expected to perform their duties in the interest of Mother Ghana,” he stated, emphasizing that further action will depend on the responses received.
The development places renewed focus on the maritime security architecture and the effectiveness of its regulatory institutions at a time when global scrutiny of transnational crime networks remains high.
