The Ghana Navy has arrested 10 Nigerian nationals who attempted to stow away on the MV Grand Venus, a merchant vessel sailing under the Panamanian flag, at the Tema Port.
A statement issued by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) confirmed that the arrest took place on Friday, October 31, 2025, following a distress call received from the ship’s crew.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the stowaways had secretly boarded the vessel while it was docked at the Lagos Port in Nigeria before it set sail for Ghana.
“The Ghana Navy has on Friday, 31 October 2025, arrested ten stowaways on-board the Panamanian-flagged Merchant Vessel Grand Venus in Tema following a distress call,” the statement read.
The Navy, acting swiftly on the alert, escorted the vessel to the main harbour, where the suspects were handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service, Port Control, and the Marine Police for further investigation.
The Ghana Navy wishes to assure the general public that additional details will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the GAF added.
The arrest highlights ongoing security challenges within West African maritime routes, where stowaway incidents have become increasingly frequent. The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghana’s maritime borders and ensuring the safety of vessels and crew operating within its territorial waters.
Investigations into the motive and background of the suspects are still underway. Authorities say outcomes will be made public upon completion of the probe.
