The Minister of Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has assumed office as the new Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Regional Maritime University (RMU).
He takes over from Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, who held the rotating position for the past two years on behalf of the six-member regional organisation.
The RMU, an international tertiary institution established by law with diplomatic status, is headquartered in Accra and jointly owned by Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau, its newest member.
Leadership of the university rotates alphabetically among the founding five member states.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Nikpe commended Ambassador Turay for his exemplary leadership and dedication, which he said had helped preserve the university’s status as a leading maritime education and training institution on the continent.
He acknowledged Sierra Leone’s contribution, noting that it had left behind a solid foundation upon which Ghana would build, while reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening the university’s legacy.
Mr Nikpe pledged to work closely with all member states to promote the growth and long-term sustainability of the institution.
He expressed optimism that through collective effort, the university could become the best maritime institution in Africa and rank among the finest globally.
He further expressed confidence that the university would overcome its current challenges and continue to fulfil its mandate of producing highly skilled maritime professionals for both Africa and the global shipping industry.
Mr Nikpe stressed that President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana believed the RMU should remain a centre for developing the youth of Ghana and the wider African continent.
He added that as host country, Ghana, was committed to supporting the university’s growth, enhancing its financial sustainability and deepening collaboration with stakeholders.
According to him, the vision was for the RMU to continue producing competent maritime professionals to drive economic growth and enable Africa to fully harness opportunities within the maritime sector.
Mr Nikpe also welcomed Guinea-Bissau as the newest member of the university.
He highlighted achievements recorded during Sierra Leone’s tenure, including a nearly 30 per cent increase in student enrolment, renewed confidence in the university, improved financial stability, the securing of research grants and progress towards appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The official transfer of the chancellorship took place during the university’s 35th Board of Governors meeting held at Nungua in Accra last Friday.
For his part, Ambassador Turay urged member states to support Ghana’s leadership in transforming the RMU into a world-class centre of maritime excellence.
He expressed confidence in Ghana’s stewardship, describing the country as a capable custodian of the university’s future.
BY NORMAN COOPER
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