Accra: The Regional Maritime University (RMU) will host the RMU-Laud Okantey Blue Economy Public Lecture Series on October 15, 2025, in Accra. The memorial lecture is being held in honor of the late renowned maritime professional and Chief Executive Officer of Tilbury Environmental Ghana Limited, Mr. Laud Okantey.
According to Ghana News Agency, the late Okantey was originally scheduled to serve as Chief Patron of the event before his passing. The lecture series, themed 'The Blue Economy: How Can Ghana Benefit for National Development and Job Creation within the Context of a 24-Hour Economy,' will feature distinguished experts from academia, industry, and government. The series aims to create an annual flagship event that fosters awareness, engagement, and knowledge sharing around the Blue Economy, with objectives such as promoting awareness, knowledge exchange, policy advocacy, student engagement, and institutional visibility.
The event will include panel discussions, recognition, and networking sessions. The Keynote Speaker for the event will be the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, with other notable speakers, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, and Founder and Executive Coordinator of Transitional Co-operation for Sustainable African Ports, Dr. Harry Barnes-Dabban. Dr. Robert Nyemah, Head of Research and Innovation at RMU, highlighted the importance of the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health as a key development strategy for coastal and maritime nations.
Dr. Nyemah emphasized the alignment with Ghana's Blue Economy Strategy and the African Union's Agenda 2063, underscoring the need for platforms that support critical discourse, public education, innovation, and stakeholder engagement in this field. He stated that the RMU, as a leading maritime training and research institution in West and Central Africa, is well-positioned to lead this conversation and help foster innovation, strategic partnerships, and a deeper public understanding of sustainable ocean-based development.
Following the lecture series, increased public understanding of the blue economy is anticipated, along with strengthened linkages between RMU, industry, government, and development partners. Greater student and faculty involvement in research and advocacy for marine sustainability is also expected. Dr. Nyemah urged the government to invest in marine waste management infrastructure and encouraged the private sector to support academic institutions in advancing research and development in the blue economy.
Dr. Nyemah stressed that the series should not be seen as just another talk show but as a strategic step towards a more sustainable future, where the blue economy drives national growth and prosperity. He called on stakeholders, especially shipping companies and port authorities, to act as catalysts for change, as spearheaded by the late Mr. Okantey prior to his demise.
The late Mr. Okantey was an accomplished Ghanaian business executive and maritime industry leader with over two decades of experience in corporate leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and sustainable development initiatives. He was recognized for his visionary approach, leadership, and commitment to innovation in environmental management, logistics, and the blue economy.
Mr. Okantey served as the Managing Director of Tilbury Environmental Ghana Limited from 2008 until his passing, transforming the company into a leading player in maritime environmental services. His career spanned various sectors, including construction, logistics, trading, and marketing, with leadership positions at several companies. He was also involved in professional services and auditing through a longstanding affiliation with Alex Thompson and Associates.
Known for his leadership, communication skills, and passion for sustainability and ocean health, Mr. Okantey contributed to governance, policy development, and strategic planning as a Board Member of Menergy International (Ghana) Limited and Star Royal Complex School. He attended international conferences, including the Greenport Conference and the MARPOL Convention, actively engaging in industry discourse around maritime safety, waste management, and ocean conservation.
Mr. Okantey was set to serve as the Chief Patron of the inaugural RMU-Laud Okantey Blue Economy Public Lecture Series, a testament to his enduring commitment to the sustainable development of Ghana's maritime sector. Although he passed before the event, the lecture series stands as a tribute to his legacy, rooted in innovation, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment.
