The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has dismissed assertions by Samuel Awuku, stating that the vessel at the centre of recent controversy, MV Sankofa, has no current ties to Ghana.

In a statement dated April 22, the Authority clarified that the ship is not listed on Ghana’s registry and is not recognised as operating under the country’s flag. The response follows public comments made by the legislator regarding the vessel’s activities.

According to the GMA, the ship identified as MV Sankofa (IMO number 7395870) had previously sailed under different names but was officially struck off Ghana’s register in April 2024 after due procedures were completed.

The Authority added that a separate vessel with the same name had earlier been removed from the registry in 2021, stressing that no ship bearing the name MV Sankofa is currently registered in Ghana.

Providing further context, the GMA revealed that the vessel was intercepted by the Ghana Navy in July 2025 within Ghana’s territorial waters during a routine operation.

It also disclosed that in March 2026, authorities in Senegal sought confirmation from Ghana over the vessel’s status amid suspicions of drug trafficking. Ghana, in response, indicated that the ship was not locally registered and disassociated itself from any alleged activities.

Subsequent checks by Senegalese officials showed that the vessel was sailing under the Cameroon flag.

The GMA criticised the Akuapim North lawmaker for, in its view, sidestepping formal parliamentary channels and opting for media engagement in a way that could misinform the public and weaken confidence in the Authority’s work.

Reaffirming its position, the GMA said its actions have adhered to both domestic regulations and international maritime protocols, while reiterating its commitment to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s maritime domain.