Regional Maritime University Opens 33rd Board Meeting in Accra Amid Renewed Commitments and Infrastructure Milestones

Accra, Ghana – June 27, 2025 – Ministers and maritime leaders from across West and Central Africa gathered today at the Africa Unity Auditorium in Accra for the ceremonial opening of the 33rd Board of Governors’ Meeting of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), reinforcing regional efforts to expand education, training, and integration in the maritime sector.

The gathering featured high-level representation from the five member states of the university: Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon, and The Gambia. Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay; Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe; The Gambia’s Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ebrima Sillah; Cameroon’s Minister of Transport, Hon. Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bibehe; Liberia Maritime Authority Board Chairman, Hon. S. Tornorlah Varpilah, Liberia's Minister of State for Special Projects, Hon. Samuel A. Stevquoah, and the Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., among others.

Ambassador Turay, who chairs the Board, used the platform to address legacy challenges within the university, most notably, the conclusion of the controversial tenure of former Vice Chancellor Elvis Nyakor. He emphasized the need for unity and thanked member states for their continued trust and contributions, with specific gratitude to Liberia for fulfilling a major infrastructure commitment.

A highlight of the ceremony was the announcement that a 50-bed capacity student dormitory, constructed by Liberia following a pledge made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. in 2024, was now complete and ready for dedication. The project, aimed at easing accommodation challenges, was completed in record time and stands as a symbol of Liberia’s deepening investment in regional maritime education.

Speaking at the event, Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner, Cllr. Lighe, Sr. reaffirmed his country’s commitment to human capacity development through maritime education. “A total of twenty-two Liberian students are currently enrolled at RMU, and seven will be among this year’s graduating class,” he noted. “We see these investments not as charity, but as strategic empowerment of our youth to participate meaningfully in the global maritime economy.”

Commissioner Lighe, Sr. also highlighted the revival of the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI) as part of a broader national effort to align maritime training with employment opportunities, especially within Liberia’s globally significant shipping registry.

As the university responds to the rising demand for quality training, the Board emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with the maritime industry. Commissioner Lighe noted that Liberia would continue to respond proactively to RMU's requests for educational materials and support services.

In recognition of Liberia’s contributions and President Boakai’s leadership, RMU recently conferred an honorary degree on the Liberian head of state, in line with a Board resolution to honor the Heads of State of member countries.

Today’s session marked not just another milestone in RMU’s institutional journey but also a collective recommitment by its member states to invest in the future of maritime excellence through infrastructure, collaboration, and education tailored to regional needs.

The Board’s discussions are expected to focus on governance, funding, and strategic partnerships to ensure RMU remains a cornerstone of maritime training in Africa.