Ghana Advances Plans to Position Regional Maritime University as Leading Training Institution

Accra: Ghana is committed to positioning the Regional Maritime University (RMU) as a maritime training institution of choice in the Sub-region. Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, emphasized Ghana's dedication to collaborating with Member States to ensure the university's progress during the opening of the 33rd Board of Governors Meeting of the RMU in Accra.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Bukari Nikpe highlighted the government's agenda to refocus Ghana's socio-economic development trajectory, with the maritime sector playing a crucial role. He assured that the RMU is well-positioned to enhance the skills and competitiveness of human capital in the industry. Projects such as the completion of the auditorium complex and lecture hall, which were previously stalled, are now set to proceed. The GETFund has allocated GH1 million for the lecture hall project, with the Ministry providing an additional GH1 million for the auditorium complex.Mr Bukari Nikpe also updated on the completed feasibili ty studies review by the Korean EXIM Bank, which increased the project costs from $146 million to $173 million. The Ministry is taking steps to sign the loan facility for the RMU's modernization, including provisions for a training ship, simulators, lecture theatres, civil works, and capacity building.The RMU remains a cornerstone institution for maritime education and training in the region, empowering young professionals for critical roles in the maritime sector across member states. Mr Bukari Nikpe reaffirmed the government's commitment to the RMU and the pursuit of its development goals.Alhaji Fanday Turay, the Chancellor of RMU, addressed the meeting, discussing the opportunity to assess the university's progress and provide directions for its operations. He mentioned the resolution of the situation involving the former Vice-Chancellor, who was suspended. Despite challenges since 2021, the Board decided during the 32nd Board Meeting in Monrovia in November 2024 to let the Vice-Chancellor complete his contract, which ended in February 2025. The Chancellor confirmed that all benefits were settled at the time of the Vice-Chancellor's exit.