The Minority in Parliament is calling on the government to take immediate steps to enhance Ghana’s maritime security by resuming the procurement process for offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Ghana Navy.
Their demand follows a recent pirate attack on a Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, which led to the kidnapping of its crew members, primarily Chinese nationals.
“With pirates aware of Ghana’s naval deficiencies, the lack of offshore patrol vessels leaves our waters vulnerable to further attacks.
“To enhance security and deter criminal activities at sea, we strongly urge the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense to prioritise the purchase of two offshore patrol vessels. We also call for the recommencement of the procurement process, with parliamentary approval and subsequent acquisition,” the Minority stated.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, April 1, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, stressed the urgent need for stronger security measures along Ghana’s territorial waters.
The Minority insists that acquiring OPVs is a crucial step in safeguarding the country’s maritime domain against increasing threats.
The call for action comes after a suspected pirate attack on the Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel Mengxin 1 in Ghanaian waters on March 27, 2025.
Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie confirmed the incident, stating, “Seven armed individuals boarded the ship, fired warning shots, and confiscated crew members’ mobile phones.
“After three hours, they departed, but the Captain, Chief Mate, and Chief Engineer—all Chinese nationals—were missing, suspected to have been kidnapped.”
The crew managed to report the incident after sailing closer to land due to a lack of network coverage at sea.
The vessel has since docked safely at Tema Fishing Harbour, where the Marine Police and Naval Intelligence have begun interrogations.
Authorities have alerted neighbouring countries through the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) as part of efforts to track the attackers.
“All efforts are being made by intelligence agencies to locate and free the crew,” Brigadier General Aggrey-Quashie assured.
