MV Sankofa mystery deepens as Minority demands answers over vessel’s release before drug arrest
The Minority in Parliament is demanding a full-scale independent parliamentary inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the release of the MV Sankofa before the vessel was later arrested in Senegal carrying narcotics.
The Ghanaian Parliament's Minority faction is pushing for a comprehensive, independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the release of the MV Sankofa, a vessel found to be sailing under a falsified flag. This demand comes after the ship was arrested in Senegal later that same year, carrying illicit narcotics. The Minority's Ranking Member, Rev.
Ntim Fordjour, highlighted the concerns surrounding the vessel's release, pointing out that the Ghana Maritime Authority reduced the fine from almost GH¢12 million to a fraction of that amount, despite not conducting a thorough inspection of the vessel's cargo.
Rev. Fordjour questioned the authority that allowed this reduced fine and the decision to let the vessel sail without a full inspection. The Minority also cited a series of major narcotics trafficking cases linked to Ghana, including a March 2025 seizure of over 3.3 tonnes of cocaine at Pedu Junction, Cape Coast, and a second consignment of cocaine intercepted along the Takoradi-Cape Coast highway.
In August 2026, Tema Regional Police Command seized 866 parcels of suspected cocaine at a warehouse in Tema Harbour, and foreign authorities have seized significant quantities of narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine, linked to Ghana.
Rev. Fordjour emphasized the need for accountability, pointing out that high-profile seizures involving Ghana under the NDC administration now total more than US$1 billion in just two years. He also raised concerns about the progress of investigations into local cases, stating that prosecutions have largely targeted peripheral suspects rather than those at the helm of these operations.
The Minority insists on summoning sector ministers and heads of relevant agencies to Parliament to explain the seizures, investigations, and measures being taken to secure Ghana's ports, airports, and territorial waters. "Ghana’s international reputation, and the safety of our young people from the scourge of narcotics, cannot be held hostage to official silence or political convenience," Rev.
Fordjour stated firmly. "The Minority will not relent until the truth is known and those found responsible are held accountable."
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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