Seven Ghanaian fishermen reported missing on 18 October 2026 have been safely rescued in Benin territorial waters, the Western Regional Marine Police Command has confirmed.
The men — Kofi Emmanuel (32), Uncle Amoah (45), Kwamena Nkum (29), Kofi Aboagye (36), Doboa (35), Agya Badu (42) and Kwamena Akyem (40) — were rescued at approximately 10:00 pm on 21 October by local fishermen. They were found in good condition after their canoe, Second Chance, suffered engine failure and drifted far from Ghanaian waters.
The canoe, owned by Nana Kweku Atta, had departed the Sekondi Fishing Harbour on 9 October for a fishing expedition offshore Axim in the Western Region. When it failed to return as expected, the owner reported the crew missing at the Fishing Harbour Police Station in Sekondi on 18 October. Search and rescue operations involving the Western Regional Marine Police Command, Ghana Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority, Fisheries Commission and coastal communities began the following day.
Officials said the vessel drifted more than 120 nautical miles, eventually entering the waters near the Togo-Benin border. The fishermen had run out of food and water during their ordeal but were located following a distress alert. The Togolese Navy, working in coordination with Ghanaian and Beninese authorities, played a key role in locating the boat approximately three nautical miles off Grand-Popo in Beninese waters, according to the Ghana News Agency. The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has welcomed the successful rescue.
Prof Benjamin B. Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, earlier confirmed the crew had been found safe and were being brought ashore for medical checks before their return by land. Coordination is continuing between Ghana’s Marine Police Command, the Ghana Navy and their counterparts in Benin and Togo to facilitate the fishermen’s safe repatriation.
Authorities have pledged to provide further updates as the men complete health assessments and begin their journey home. The incident highlights the risks faced by artisanal fishers and the importance of regional maritime cooperation along the Gulf of Guinea.
