Maritime Authority dismisses claims of surveillance failure in Ghana’s waters

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has moved to reassure the public that vessels operating within the country’s maritime domain are being actively monitored, rejecting allegations that its surveillance systems have been out of service for months.

The response follows comments by NPP communications team member Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who alleged that the Authority lacked the ability to track ships within Ghanaian waters because key monitoring equipment was not functioning.

In a statement issued on September 22, the GMA described the claims as inaccurate, insisting that its maritime surveillance infrastructure remains operational and continues to support round-the-clock monitoring activities.

According to the Authority, its maritime domain awareness tools are used continuously to track vessel movements, verify identities and ensure compliance with maritime regulations.

“The Authority continues to use its maritime domain awareness tools to monitor vessels and maintains 24-hour surveillance and monitoring of vessels in Ghana’s maritime domain,” it stated.

The GMA further noted that the monitoring system plays a critical role in safeguarding offshore oil and gas installations, underwater pipelines and submarine communication cables.

Responding directly to suggestions that ships are moving through Ghana’s waters without oversight, the Authority maintained that such assertions do not reflect the reality of its operations.

“The suggestion that vessels in Ghana’s waters are not monitored is therefore untrue,” the statement said.

The Authority said it remains committed to protecting Ghana’s maritime interests and urged the public to rely on official information when assessing issues relating to maritime security and surveillance.