Maritime Authority responds to Awuku over MV Sankofa claims

The Ghana Maritime Authority has responded to public comments by Samuel Awuku regarding the vessel MV Sankofa (IMO No. 7395870).

In a statement dated April 22, 2026, the Authority said the vessel was first registered in 1983 under the Ghana flag as MV KAAS 105, later renamed MV AFKO 312 in 1987 and MV Marine 711 in 2011.

It said the vessel was officially deregistered from the Ghana Ship Registry on April 23, 2024, after the owners completed required processes, including surrendering the Certificate of Ghanaian Registry.

The Authority also noted that a different vessel, MV Sankofa (IMO No. 907855), was previously registered under the Ghana flag in 2014 and later deregistered.

GMA said it had earlier indicated readiness to appear before Parliament to address the matter, but expressed concern over continued media engagements by the MP.

It stated that a Right to Information request submitted by the MP was initially withdrawn and later resubmitted, adding that it will respond to the request.

The Authority further raised concerns about the circulation of official correspondence involving Senegalese authorities, stating that such actions could affect law enforcement cooperation.

GMA said its operations, including vessel registration and enforcement, are conducted in accordance with national laws and international maritime standards and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining regulatory integrity.