The Ghana Armed Forces has successfully rescued 71 Ghanaian fishermen who were left stranded at sea following an armed robbery attack off the coast of Gomoa Nyanyano and Senya Bereku in the Central Region.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, February 26, 2026, and signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arihin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the military confirmed that a coordinated search and rescue operation by the Ghana Navy and Ghana Air Force was concluded after a distress call was received early that morning.
“The Ghana Armed Forces has concluded its search and rescue operations… The Ghana Navy remains fully committed to protecting Ghanaian fishermen, combating piracy and armed robbery at sea, and ensuring the safety of vessels within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone,” the statement said.
The incident occurred during a night fishing expedition on February 25, when gunmen reportedly fired warning shots, held the fishermen at gunpoint, and stole outboard motors, generators, and personal items, leaving the victims adrift approximately 35 nautical miles off Senya Bereku.
The response involved fast interceptor boats from the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron, additional naval vessels from the Eastern and Western Commands, and aerial support from the Ghana Air Force, which were deployed at dawn on February 26. Local fishermen also assisted in the search efforts.
Of the 71 rescued fishermen, 24 were evacuated to Tema in the Greater Accra Region, while 47 were brought ashore at Senya Bereku.
Deputy Defence Minister Yaw Brogya Gyamfi, speaking on Asempa FM, confirmed that all the fishermen were found unharmed, with none held hostage during the ordeal. He noted that the attackers were primarily interested in stealing equipment.
Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah told JoyNews that there were no recorded deaths or injuries, emphasising that the focus was on swiftly bringing the stranded victims safely home.