Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the Regional Maritime University (RMU) as a centre of excellence for maritime education and training.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the 20th Congregation of the RMU in Accra on Saturday, the Minister said Ghana accepted the leadership responsibility not as a ceremonial title but as a commitment to advance academic excellence, technological innovation, and global competitiveness.
A total of 417 students graduated, comprising 83 Master’s degree holders, 242 Bachelor of Science graduates and 91 diploma recipients in various maritime-related disciplines.
The graduates pursued programmes including Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nautical Science, Port and Shipping Administration, Computer Engineering and International Shipping and Logistics.
Mr Nikpe said the RMU had, over the decades, remained at the forefront of maritime capacity development in West and Central Africa, producing skilled professionals whose expertise continued to impact the global maritime industry.
He expressed appreciation to the University’s Board of Governors for entrusting Ghana with the leadership role and assured Member States that the Government would work collaboratively to strengthen regional cooperation and modernise the institution.
Mr Nikpe said under the leadership of President Mahama, the Government recognised the maritime sector as a strategic driver of economic transformation, employment creation and regional integration.
He explained that Ghana’s development agenda, particularly the 24-hour economy policy, would leverage the maritime sector by integrating maritime education with modern supply chain systems and logistics to unlock new economic opportunities.
The global maritime industry, he said, was undergoing rapid transformation through automation, digitalisation and the transition towards environmentally sustainable shipping, making it imperative for the University to continuously adapt its training programmes.
Mr Nikpe pledge the Ministry’s commitment to intensifying efforts to secure strategic partnerships aimed at providing cutting-edge training facilities, advanced marine engineering technologies and sustainable research funding for the University.
He commended the University’s management, faculty and staff for their resilience and dedication, which had enabled the institution to maintain high academic standards despite the evolving demands of the global shipping and logistics industry.
Mr Nikpe praised their perseverance through years of rigorous academic and practical training, describing them as the next generation of professionals who would drive Africa’s blue economy.
He said the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented enormous opportunities for the maritime transport sector, which would serve as the backbone for expanding intra-African trade and commerce.
The Minister urged the graduates to distinguish themselves professionally by embracing three guiding principles throughout their careers: competence, integrity and resilience.
He explained that while ambition could create opportunities, competence and technical expertise would sustain successful careers, adding that integrity remained indispensable in an industry built on trust and strict international standards.
He advised the graduates to remain resilient in the face of challenges, noting that just as the sea could be unpredictable, the knowledge and discipline acquired at the University would enable them to overcome professional obstacles.
Mr Nikpe expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for the sacrifices and commended the governments of the six RMU member states for their continued commitment to the University’s development.
He pledged that Ghana would work closely with Member States, the maritime community and development partners to improve infrastructure, enhance training standards and position RMU as a globally recognised institution producing highly skilled maritime professionals for Africa and beyond.
Dr Jethro Brooks Jnr., Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, said the University had strengthened its international partnerships through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden.
The agreement would promote joint research, faculty exchanges, student field studies, academic information sharing, online library access, and opportunities for RMU staff to enrol in WMU academic programmes.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, however, expressed concern over the University’s financial challenges, noting that about 95 per cent of its operations were funded through internally generated funds, with nearly 90 per cent of that amount spent on staff-related costs.
He appealed to Member States to fulfil their financial obligations to enable the University to upgrade its laboratories, lecture theatres, offices and sanitary facilities.
Dr Brooks also highlighted the persistent encroachment on the University’s land at Nungua, describing it as a major impediment to future expansion.
He appealed to the judiciary to expedite the ongoing land dispute and urged the Government and the Nungua Traditional Authorities to collaborate in safeguarding the University’s lands for future development.
He encouraged graduates to uphold integrity, humility and professionalism, and to apply the knowledge and skills acquired at RMU to serve their communities and advance the maritime industry.
GNA
