The Regional Maritime University (RMU) has graduated 417 professionals at its 20th congregation, with the Minister for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, pledging to reposition the institution as a globally competitive maritime training hub capable of producing world-class professionals.
The ceremony, held in Accra on Saturday (June 27, 2026), saw 83 master's degree holders, 243 bachelor's degree recipients, and 91 diploma graduates receive their qualifications across disciplines, including Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Ports and Shipping Administration, Computer Engineering, and International Shipping Logistics.
Speaking at the event in his capacity as Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. Nikpe 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.
"This institution has been at the forefront of capacity building for the maritime industry for the past decades, with products of the university visible across the maritime world," he said.
Mr. Nikpe noted that the government recognises the strategic role of the RMU in producing the skilled workforce needed to support national development and the growth of the blue economy. He pledged Ghana's commitment to steering the university toward greater heights of academic excellence, technological innovation, and global competitiveness.
"The Regional Maritime University stands as a shining monument of what African nations can achieve when we unite under a shared vision," he said. "For decades, this university has trained and developed the human capital that powers the blue economy across West and Central Africa and beyond."
The Minister stressed that the maritime sector was undergoing significant transformation driven by automation, digitalisation, and the global transition towards green shipping. He assured the university that the Ministry of Transport would pursue strategic partnerships to facilitate access to advanced marine engineering technologies, modern training infrastructure, and sustainable research funding.
He also commended the university's management and faculty for their resilience and dedication. "In spite of the fast-evolving landscape of global shipping and logistics, you have kept your steady hands on the wheel in training our seafarers and maritime professionals, and for this, we say thank you," he said.
Addressing the graduates, Mr. Nikpe urged them to remember three core principles: competence over ambition, integrity as their compass, and resilience in the storm. "You are entering the industry at a pivotal moment in history with the blue economy as Africa's next socio-economic frontier and enabler," he said. "With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, maritime transport is set to be the backbone of intra-African trade and commerce."
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., congratulated the graduates on their perseverance and hard work, urging them to remain worthy ambassadors of the university.
He, however, outlined challenges confronting the institution, including inadequate infrastructure, encroachment on university lands, and irregular water supply, and appealed to member states and the Government of Ghana for support.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding staff and students for their academic excellence and contributions to the university's growth. Michael Odai Odiko was named Employee of the Year (Senior Staff – Teaching), while the Vice-Chancellor's Award was presented to 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. Other undergraduate award winners were Nartey Nelly Afi (B.Sc. Ports and Shipping Administration), Mensah Cecil Niibi (B.Sc. Logistics Management), Okyere Evans Nkrumah (B.Sc. Marine Engineering), Aggey Valentine (B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering), Akpakli Marcellina Awovi (B.Sc. Electrical/Electronic Engineering), Attiogbe Joseph Foli (B.Sc. Computer Engineering), and Osabu-Kle Claude Nii Adjei (B.Sc. Computer Science).
In the diploma category, Adjei Jerry Adjetey was recognised as the Best Student in Marine Engineering, Kwessie Nathan Afful received the award for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mac-Teye Ericson Kwesi Nartey emerged as the Best Student in Nautical Science, while Amponsah Franca Naana was named Best Student in Ports and Shipping Management.
Several other students also received prizes sponsored by industry partners and alumni, including the Rear Admiral David Animle Memorial Prize in Nautical Science, the J.N. Mante Award for Excellence, the C.N.M. Pappoe Award, the 1958/59 Inaugural Class Alumni Excellence Award, the Abdulai-Saiku Award, the Charkins Maritime & Offshore Safety Centre Prize in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, the Stark Energy Limited Award for Best Graduating B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering Student, and the Hafnia Shipping Company Limited Awards.
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.
