The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has refuted claims that its vessel monitoring system is ineffective, following comments made by Dennis Miracles Aboagye on TV3's Daily Brief and Joy FM's Newsnite programmes on September 22, 2026. Aboagye implied that vessels sailing within Ghana's maritime jurisdiction were passing through unchecked. The GMA has described these claims as false and misleading.
According to the GMA, its maritime domain awareness tools remain in continuous use to monitor vessels operating within Ghana's maritime jurisdiction. The Authority runs a 24-hour surveillance system and relies on standard operating procedures to track vessels, verify their identities, and check their compliance with maritime regulations. This system underpins maritime safety, security, and environmental protection along Ghana's coastline.
The GMA's vessel monitoring system plays a critical role in supporting the monitoring and protection of offshore oil and gas facilities, pipelines, and submarine cables. These installations are central to Ghana's energy supply and undersea cables that carry much of the country's internet and telecommunications traffic. Any doubt over whether such infrastructure is being watched effectively touches directly on Ghana's energy security and connectivity.
The dispute highlights the importance of accurate information in matters relating to maritime surveillance and safety. The GMA has urged members of the public to disregard the disputed claims and rely instead on official communications from the Authority on matters relating to vessel monitoring and maritime surveillance.
The GMA's statement did not set out any further action, hearing, or review date. No timeline has been given for any follow-up between the Authority and the broadcaster, and it remains unclear whether Aboagye or the two television and radio stations involved will respond to the GMA's rebuttal.
As the state body responsible for regulating shipping and maritime safety in Ghana's waters, the GMA's vessel monitoring and maritime domain awareness tools are used to track ships moving through Ghana's maritime jurisdiction. The tools verify a ship's identity and cargo and flag any vessel that may pose a security, environmental, or safety risk.
The GMA's response aims to reassure stakeholders that its surveillance system remains effective, and it continues to monitor vessels operating within Ghana's maritime jurisdiction. The Authority's efforts are crucial in maintaining maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in Ghana's waters.
Key points
- The Ghana Maritime Authority has dismissed claims that its vessel monitoring system is ineffective.
- The Authority's system is used to track ships, verify their identities, and check compliance with maritime regulations.
- The dispute highlights the importance of accurate information in matters relating to maritime surveillance and safety.
