The Minority in Parliament, through Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, has called on the government to resume the procurement process for offshore patrol vessels to enhance the Ghana Navy’s capacity in safeguarding the country’s waters.
This appeal follows a recent pirate attack on a Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, which resulted in the kidnapping of its captain, chief mates, and chief engineer.
“While we urge a full-scale investigation into the incident to apprehend the pirates, we call on the government to resource the Ghana Navy with a required complement of offshore patrol vessels to fully equip the Ghana Navy to more comprehensively and effectively safeguard our waters”
Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
On March 29, 2025, the Ghana Armed Forces issued a statement detailing the incident, which took place on the evening of March 27, 2025.
According to the report, seven armed individuals suspected to be pirates boarded the vessel Magazine One at approximately 17:53 hours.
The attackers fired warning shots, forcing several crew members to seek refuge in a safe area.
The pirates reportedly stayed on board for three hours, during which they assembled all crew members on deck, seized their mobile phones, and eventually kidnapped the captain and two senior crew members, who were believed to be Chinese nationals.
The Navy launched an investigation into the attack, but the whereabouts of the kidnapped crew members remains unknown.
The incident underscores growing concerns over maritime security and the vulnerability of Ghanaian waters to criminal activity.
Offshore Patrol Vessel Procurement
Hon. John Ntim Fordjour emphasized the urgent need for the government to strengthen the Ghana Navy’s capacity to counter such threats.
He recalled that the previous government had initiated efforts to acquire two offshore patrol vessels in 2024.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, you will recall the diligent attempt of the erstwhile government to procure two offshore vessels for the Ghana Navy in 2024.
“This plan, in its final stages, was fiercely opposed by the NDC in Parliament, who called for the process to be terminated. Indeed, subsequently, the process of purchase was thus aborted”
Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
Hon. Fordjour argued that this decision has left Ghana’s waters vulnerable to piracy, as criminal groups have become aware of the Navy’s limited offshore capabilities.
He pointed out that the absence of offshore patrol vessels creates an opportunity for pirates to exploit weaknesses in Ghana’s maritime security.
This poses a direct threat to the safety of seafarers and the economic stability of the fishing and shipping industries.
Urging Government Action
The Minority insisted that the government take immediate steps to rectify the situation by reviving the procurement process for the offshore patrol vessels.
Hon. Fordjour called on the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense to prioritize this matter.
“To strengthen security on our waters and serve as deterrence, we strongly urge the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense to prioritize the purchase of two offshore patrol vessels and recommence the processes for parliamentary approval and subsequent passage purchase of the same”
Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South
He stressed that such an investment was critical for national security and assured that the Minority would fully support the process to ensure its successful execution.
Placing emphasis on their belief that maritime security should not be compromised by political disagreements.
The recent pirate attack reignited debates over the government’s commitment to maritime security and whether past decisions had contributed to the current vulnerabilities.
With pressure mounting, the administration faced renewed calls to address the gaps in the country’s naval defense capabilities.
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