Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has disclosed that authorities in Ghana are working with the Togolese Navy to secure the safe return of seven fishermen aboard the missing fishing canoe Second Chance after their location was established within Togo’s territorial waters.
Joseph Nelson disclosed that contact had been made with the crew, adding that discussions were ongoing with Togolese authorities to facilitate their return.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, October 21, Mr Nelson said he had received a briefing confirming the development.
He stated, “This afternoon, I had a briefing that some contact has been established with the crew and that their location is within Togolese waters”.
He added that the Togolese Navy had been notified and was expected to support efforts to bring the fishermen safely back to Ghana.
“And so the Togo Navy has also been informed. Efforts are still underway to see how they can get them safely home,” he said.
The development comes after a search and rescue operation was launched on Monday, October 19, following reports that the canoe and its crew had gone missing.
According to the Western Regional Minister, authorities received information about the missing fishermen late on Sunday, October 18, prompting the commencement of the search the following day.
Also, the Western Regional Marine Police Command had earlier announced that it was coordinating the search for the seven crew members after the canoe failed to return from a fishing expedition offshore Axim.
The rescue operation brought together the Ghana Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Fisheries Commission, coastal police stations and fishing communities.
Police said the canoe’s owner, Nana Kweku Atta, reported the disappearance at the Fishing Harbour Police Station in Sekondi on Sunday, October 18.
Mr Atta told investigators that Second Chance had left the Sekondi Fishing Harbour on Friday, October 9, for a fishing expedition offshore Axim but had not returned as expected.
Attempts to reach the crew by phone were reportedly unsuccessful, prompting concerns about their safety and whereabouts.
Preliminary information later suggested that the canoe might have developed engine trouble while at sea, potentially leaving it adrift and carrying it away from its intended fishing grounds towards Tema and the Volta coast.
Meanwhile, with the crew now reportedly located in Togolese waters, efforts are focused on coordinating their safe return to Ghana.
In related news, in March 2026, Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture have presented seven outboard motors to Fishermen in Senya Breku whose equipment was stolen during a pirate attack.
On Tuesday, March 3, Emelia Arthur presented seven outboard motors as part of government efforts to cushion affected fishermen and restore livelihoods.
The seven outboard motors presentation follows earlier reports, which suggested that some fishermen have been attacked at sea and left stranded after armed hijackers allegedly opened fire and made away with outboard motors.
According to the report, the incident occurred at Senya Breku in the Central Region.
Reports detailed that the victims set out to fish in the early hours of Thursday, February 26, and while reportedly returning to shore, they were attacked.
The fishermen were attacked by the assailants, who were said to be operating a black boat, and they launched the attack.
Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, speaking to the media, confirmed the incident.
According to that MP, the attackers targeted fishermen operating seven canoes.
“There was an armed attack at sea. Our fishermen usually go out at night and return early in the morning. Those who went toward the Nyanyano side were reportedly attacked.
“They were robbed of their outboard motors and generator sets by a black boat. I cannot disclose the nationality of the attackers. Investigations are ongoing,” she said.
“The military, the IGP has also dispatched a military marine police unit to help. So the navy is helping, and the marine police are also helping us,” she added.
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