Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has asked West African countries to focus on exploring resources in the ocean to aid the continent’s development.
Speaking after he was honoured with an Honorary Degree of Letters at the 13th Congregation of the Regional Maritime University, Ex-President Kufuor noted that the surest way for West African countries to extract enough resources from the ocean is to invest in human capital.
“Our world of today has been venturing on earth and into the skies. I believe we are into the new frontal of discovering the results of the seas and the maritime. And we need the personnel to do the work this university is doing by producing manpower to that effect. West Africa has got a very long coastline from Mauritania all the way to Angola and the resources in our seas are numerous whether it’s hydrocarbon, fisheries, transport or minerals, but we need the personnel to discover them and also exploit for the benefits of all our people together. And if we do not develop the personnel to do the work, we will sit here on this hidden wealth for strangers and foreigners to come and take from us. The university is doing a great job in this effort and may God bless the university”.
The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah hinted of projects aimed at giving a facelift to the university.
He said the “Regional university modernization project under the auspices of the ministry of transport” will cost “USD152, 861,000.”
“This project once actualized will have a booming and its effect will spread to other member countries. The administration and the library which is being funded by government of Ghana through education trust fund is at the 7th floor awaiting roofing likewise the auditorium complex is also progressing. These projects commenced under the administration of the former President Kufuor.”
Vice-chancellor, Professor Elvis Nyarko charged the graduands to create jobs.
“And now, to our dear graduands, you are here today because you took studies seriously and work hard to pass your examination and as a result have satisfied all the requirement of the university to be able to graduate. Your graduation now leaves you with a vital responsibility of being a change agent in your community.”
“As you are very well aware, the economy of our member countries, and indeed most countries the world over, is private sector driven. It would not be wise of you to expect government to directly provide jobs to all of you straight away from school. I will, therefore, advise you to put your know-how to full use and create jobs for yourselves in the private sector”.
A total of 396 students graduated with Bachelor’s degree and diplomas in various fields. Of this number, there 329 were awarded bachelors and 67 diplomas.
14.3 percent of the undergraduates graduated with first class degree, 49.5 percent with second class upper division, and 24.0 percent with second class lower division degrees.
12 percent and 45 percent of the diploma candidates obtained distinction and second class upper division respectively.
