The Minister for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has 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 recognised 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, government was aligning maritime education with national development priorities, including the 24-hour Economy policy and modern supply chain integration.

Mr Nikpe, who also is also the new 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.

The Acting 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 a number of 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.

A total of 368 students graduated during the congregation, comprising 82 master’s degree holders, 213 bachelor’s degree recipients and 73 diploma graduates.

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.

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