The Regional Maritime University (RMU) on Saturday, June 27, held its 20th Congregation, graduating a total of 368 students with master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and diplomas in various disciplines.
The graduating class comprised 82 master’s degree holders, 213 bachelor’s degree recipients and 73 diploma graduates.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, described the maritime sector as a critical driver of Ghana’s economic transformation and job creation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening maritime education and industry development.
He said the government recognises the strategic role of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in producing the skilled workforce needed to support national development and the growth of the blue economy.
To this end, he said, the government was aligning maritime education with national development priorities, including the 24-hour Economy policy and modern supply chain integration.
Mr Nikpe, who also serves as Chancellor of the RMU and Chairman of its Board of Governors, made the remarks at the university’s 20th Congregation in Accra on Saturday.
He pledged Ghana’s commitment to repositioning the RMU as a globally competitive maritime training hub capable of producing world-class professionals to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving global maritime industry.
According to him, the sector was undergoing significant transformation driven by automation, digitalisation and the growing global transition towards environmentally sustainable shipping practices.
He stressed that the university must stay ahead of these developments by modernising its training systems, strengthening research capacity and embracing technological innovation.
The minister assured the university that, under his leadership, the Ministry of Transport would pursue strategic partnerships to facilitate access to advanced marine engineering technologies, modern training infrastructure and sustainable research funding.
He also commended the university’s management and faculty for their resilience and commitment to training competent maritime professionals despite the rapidly changing global shipping environment.
The Ag. Vice-Chancellor of the RMU, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., congratulated the graduates on their perseverance and hard work, urging them to remain worthy ambassadors of the university wherever they found themselves.
He, however, outlined several challenges confronting the university, including inadequate infrastructure, encroachment on university lands and irregular water supply.
Dr Brooks appealed to member states and the Government of Ghana to support efforts to address these challenges to enable the university to fully deliver on its mandate as the region’s premier maritime training institution.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding staff and students for their academic excellence, dedication and contributions to the growth of the university.
In the staff category, Mr Michael Odai Odiko was named Employee of the Year (Senior Staff – Teaching), while the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award was presented to Mr Jone Addai-Marfo in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the university’s development over the years.
Among the graduates, Akomaning Patricia Agyeiwaa emerged as the Best Overall Postgraduate Student and also received the award for Best Student in M.A. Ports and Shipping Administration.
Prince Kofi Boamah won the Best Student award in M.Sc. International Shipping and Logistics, while Peprah William Frimpong was adjudged Best Student in M.Sc. Electrical Power Engineering.
Abayateye Desmond was named Best Overall Undergraduate Student and also received the award for Best Student in B.Sc. Nautical Science.
Other undergraduate award winners were Nartey Nelly Afi (B.Sc. Ports and Shipping Administration), Mensah Cecil Niibi (B.Sc. Logistics Management), Okyere Evans Nkrumah (B.Sc. Marine Engineering), Aggey Valentine (B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering), Akpakli Marcellina Awovi (B.Sc. Electrical/Electronic Engineering), Attiogbe Joseph Foli (B.Sc. Computer Engineering) and Osabu-Kle Claude Nii Adjei (B.Sc. Computer Science).
In the diploma category, Adjei Jerry Adjetey was recognised as the Best Student in Marine Engineering, Kwessie Nathan Afful received the award for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mac-Teye Ericson Kwesi Nartey emerged as the Best Student in Nautical Science, while Amponsah Franca Naana was named Best Student in Ports and Shipping Management.
Several other students also received prizes sponsored by industry partners and alumni, including the Rear Admiral David Animle Memorial Prize in Nautical Science, the J.N. Mante Award for Excellence, the C.N.M. Pappoe Award, the 1958/59 Inaugural Class Alumni Excellence Award, the Abdulai-Saiku Award, the Charkins Maritime & Offshore Safety Centre Prize in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, the Stark Energy Limited Award for Best Graduating B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering Student, and the Hafnia Shipping Company Limited Awards.
Members of the Sierra Leone Committee of Experts were also recognised and honoured for their invaluable contributions to the sustained growth and development of the university over the years.
