The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) says 71 Ghanaian fishermen who were stranded at sea following an armed robbery off the coast of Gomoa Nyanyano/Senya Bereku in the Central Region have been successfully rescued and brought safely ashore.

In a press statement on February 26, 2026, signed by Captain Veronica Adzo Arihin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, the military confirmed that coordinated efforts by the Ghana Navy and Air Force concluded the search and rescue operation after the 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 fishermen were left adrift about 35 nautical miles off Senya Bereku after gunmen reportedly fired warning shots, held them at gunpoint, and stole outboard motors, generators and personal items during a night fishing expedition on February 25.

A coordinated military response saw 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 deployed at dawn on February 26. Local fishermen also aided in search efforts

Of the rescued men, 24 were evacuated to Tema in the Greater Accra Region, while 47 were brought ashore at Senya Bereku.

Deputy Defence Minister Yaw Brogya Gyamfi confirmed on Asempa FM that all 71 fishermen were found unharmed and none was held hostage during the ordeal, noting the attackers were primarily interested in stealing equipment.

Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah also told Joynews that there were no recorded deaths or injuries, stressing that efforts focused on bringing the stranded victims home swiftly.