The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has denied claims that its vessel monitoring system is ineffective, asserting that it maintains continuous surveillance of Ghana’s maritime domain.
The statements came after comments by Dennis Miracles Aboagye on TV3’s Daily Brief and Joy FM’s Newsnite on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, which suggested that vessels operating within Ghana’s waters were not being monitored.
In a formal statement, the GMA described the allegations as false and misleading. It said its maritime domain awareness tools remain in use to continuously monitor vessels within Ghana’s jurisdiction and that the system also supports the protection of offshore oil and gas facilities, pipelines and submarine cables.
The Authority explained that it follows standard operating procedures to track vessels, verify their identities and ensure compliance. According to the GMA, the system is critical to maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
“The GMA categorically refutes these claims. They are false, misleading, and do not reflect the operational reality of maritime surveillance in Ghana.”
It further insisted that the suggestion that vessels operating in Ghana’s waters are not monitored is inaccurate, adding,
“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.”
The GMA reiterated its commitment to continuous surveillance and the protection of Ghana’s maritime interests. It urged the public to disregard the claims and to rely on official communications from the Authority regarding vessel monitoring and maritime surveillance.
Observers note that the GMA’s response comes amid growing concerns over maritime security in West Africa, with regional navies and private contractors increasingly involved in monitoring activities. The Authority’s reaffirmation of its operational capabilities is expected to reassure stakeholders in the shipping, oil and gas, and environmental sectors.
