Minority urges gov't to strengthen maritime security after pirate attack

The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to strengthen the Ghana Navy. This call follows a suspected pirate attack on the fishing vessel Mengxin 1 on March 27, 2025.

The attack happened in Ghanaian waters. Seven armed individuals boarded the vessel and fired warning shots. They detained the crew for three hours before kidnapping three Chinese nationals: the captain, chief mate, and chief engineer.

In their statement, the Minority emphasized the need for Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) to enhance maritime security. They stated that equipping the Ghana Navy is crucial for protecting Ghana's waters. The lack of OPVs has made these waters vulnerable to piracy.

The statement also mentioned an unsuccessful attempt in 2024 to acquire OPVs under the previous government. The current ruling party opposed this initiative.

“Pirates know our Navy’s limitations,” they said. “They will exploit these gaps unless action is taken.” The Minority called on both the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Defence to restart the procurement process with their support.

Ghana is often ranked among Africa's most peaceful countries. However, the Minority warned that recent security issues could jeopardize this reputation.

They concluded by stating that under President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana should not become a haven for pirates or criminals.