Sammy Awuku challenges GMA over MV Sankofa’s seaworthiness and clearance

Mr Awuku said a situation in which a vessel claims to sail under a flag that the named state says it never granted could raise concerns about fraudulent registration, while the inspection findings also warrant scrutiny under international maritime safety and pollution-control standards.

Mr Awuku said the GMA initially imposed a US$1 million statutory penalty in its cedi equivalent, but later waived the penalty after a subsequent inspection reportedly found no evidence that the vessel had been trading in Ghana.

The MP has therefore identified three key questions for the authorities: the precise legal basis or decision that authorised the US$1 million penalty waiver; the reason for the US$60,000 difference in the pollution-related figures; and the identity of the person who authorised MV Sankofa's departure, together with the evidence used to establish that its deficiencies had been resolved.