Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Board of Governors (BoG) Meeting held on Friday, Mr Nikpe emphasised the government's focus on enhancing the skills and competitiveness of Ghana’s human capital to meet the evolving demands of the maritime sector.

He noted that the long-abandoned Auditorium Complex and Lecture Hall projects at RMU would soon be completed, revealing that the Ministry had approved a sum of one million Ghana cedis towards the completion of the Auditorium Complex.

Additionally, he announced that the Ministry was finalising an agreement for an increased loan facility of $173 million from the Korea EXIM Bank. The funding will support the modernisation of RMU through the provision of training ships, simulators, construction of lecture theatres, civil works, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing the institution’s training effectiveness.

“Ghana is committed to positioning RMU as a maritime training institution of choice and will continue working with member states to ensure the progress of the University,” Mr Nikpe stated.

He added that the maritime sector would play a pivotal role in the government’s Resetting Ghana Agenda, with emphasis on leveraging every available opportunity to realign the country’s socio-economic development through the proposed 24-Hour Economy model.

“RMU remains a cornerstone institution, providing essential maritime education and training in the region. It has empowered young professionals to take on critical roles in the global maritime industry,” he said.

The meeting was attended by government officials, board members from the five member states, the Committee of Experts, invited guests, and RMU management and staff.

The event also marked the official inauguration of several key facilities, including a washroom, an ultra-modern virtual laboratory sponsored by the Republic of Sierra Leone, a GMDSS laboratory and hostel funded by the Republic of Liberia, a mosque, a boat, and a desktop steering simulator.

The Chancellor and Board Chairman, Alhaji Fanday Turay, commended RMU for its continued commitment to high standards in maritime education and training.

He emphasised the Board’s intent to further raise these standards and ensure RMU becomes a globally recognised force in maritime education.

Among other dignitaries present were Mr Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe, Minister of Transport of Cameroon; Mr Ebrima Silla, Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure of The Gambia; and Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority. They all expressed strong support for RMU and pledged to help ensure that the University’s core mandates are fully realised.