Police Launch Thorough Investigation into Armed Sea Robbery Off Senya Breku After Rescuing 71 Fishermen
The Ghana Police Service has commenced a full-scale investigation into the armed robbery at sea that targeted 71 fishermen off the coast of Senya Breku on Thursday, February 26, 2026, following their safe rescue and initial medical checks.
All 71 victims, who were operating in multiple canoes, were brought ashore in batches by a joint team comprising the Marine Police and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). Authorities have confirmed that every fisherman is now safe, stable, and has undergone vital health assessments to rule out immediate medical complications such as hypertension or trauma-related issues.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, February 26, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, provided an update on the rescue and next steps:
“The fishermen will surely go back to the sea, but it will take some time. When they came back, NADMO and the CID took their details. We got a desk to check their vitals because somebody may be hypertensive. From Friday, the police are going to do a bit more investigation. We just allowed them to go home and rest due to the incident, so on Friday, the thorough investigation will start, talking to them about what happened. They will give their narration, and then we take it from there.”
Details of the Attack
According to initial accounts from the rescued fishermen, the group had set out in the early hours of Thursday for their routine fishing expedition. While returning to shore in the morning, they were ambushed by armed hijackers operating from a black boat. The assailants reportedly fired warning shots to subdue the fishermen before stealing valuable equipment, including outboard motors and generator sets, effectively disabling the canoes and leaving the men stranded and helpless at sea.
The swift response from security agencies ensured no lives were lost, though the fishermen suffered significant material losses critical to their livelihoods.
The Ghana Navy, Marine Police, and other security units remain actively deployed in the area, conducting surveillance and pursuit operations to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen items. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is leading the formal probe, which will include:
Detailed statements from all 71 victims
Forensic examination of any recovered evidence
Analysis of witness accounts and possible CCTV or vessel tracking data
Coordination with regional and maritime intelligence units to identify patterns or links to previous sea robberies
Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui commended the collaborative effort of the security agencies, NADMO, community members, and local stakeholders, which made the successful rescue possible.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing threat of sea robbery along Ghana’s coastline, particularly in fishing corridors where artisanal fishermen are most vulnerable. Loss of outboard motors and generators often cripples families economically for months, pushing many into debt or alternative (sometimes risky) livelihoods.
Fisheries stakeholders, local leaders, and MPs continue to demand:
Increased maritime patrols
Better real-time communication tools for fishermen
Enhanced surveillance along key fishing routes
Stronger regional cooperation to combat transboundary maritime crime
The Ghana Police Service and Ghana Navy have reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property at sea, urging fishermen to report suspicious vessels or activities immediately and to avoid isolated fishing grounds until further notice.
The investigation remains active, with authorities promising to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. The rescued fishermen are receiving psychosocial support and are expected to fully cooperate with investigators once they have rested and recovered from the ordeal. Further updates will be provided as the probe advances.
