Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Samuel Awuku, has withdrawn a Right to Information (RTI) request he filed against the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) following allegations he made concerning a vessel reportedly linked to illicit drug transportation.
The Akuapim North legislator had earlier, through a Facebook post, raised concerns about what he described as worrying information regarding the oversight responsibilities of the Ghana Maritime Authority in relation to a vessel identified as M/V Sankofa.
In the post, Awuku indicated that in his capacity as Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Public Administration and State Interest, he intended to demand answers from the Authority and subsequently file a formal request for information.
He stated that Ghana had previously faced allegations of being a hub for international illicit drug trade and expressed concern that such issues could resurface.
Awuku further alleged that in July 2025, the vessel M/V Sankofa was arrested within Ghana’s territorial waters for breaching regulatory requirements. According to him, the vessel was at the time flying the flag of São Tomé and was later allowed to depart Ghana’s waters.
He also claimed that the same vessel was subsequently arrested in Senegal for allegedly transporting illicit drugs after departing from Ghana.
Following the allegations, Awuku submitted a formal Right to Information request to the Ghana Maritime Authority, seeking details including the vessel’s entry and departure dates, regulatory breaches, sanctions imposed, fines paid, and any prosecutions that may have followed.
In response, the Ghana Maritime Authority issued a statement acknowledging the Facebook post attributed to the Akuapim North Member of Parliament and assured the public that all its activities, including vessel registration processes, are conducted in strict compliance with national laws and international maritime standards.
The Authority further stated that every action taken by the GMA is guided by the best interests of the Republic of Ghana, the safety and security of the maritime domain, and the protection of the country.
The Ghana Maritime Authority also indicated that it respects Parliament’s oversight responsibility and is ready to provide all necessary details should it be invited to brief the House.
“The Authority remains steadfast in execution of its mandate to regulate the maritime industry and will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all matters and will not compromise its stewardship,” the statement noted.
However, shortly after filing the request, Awuku formally withdrew his earlier correspondence in a letter addressed to the Ghana Maritime Authority.
“I write in my capacity as the Member of Parliament for Akuapim North Constituency and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Public Administration and State Interest to formally withdraw my earlier correspondence referenced MP/26/026, dated 13th April, 2026, and addressed to your office,” the letter stated.
“I respectfully request that the said letter be treated as withdrawn with immediate effect and that its contents be disregarded accordingly. I regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation,” he added.
The Ghana Maritime Authority has not issued any further statement following the withdrawal.
