The Minister of Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, today officially received the Odyssey vessel in Ghana, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime sector.
The arrival of the vessel, which is part of the government's ongoing efforts to modernise and enhance the country’s maritime infrastructure, is set to play a crucial role in strengthening maritime training and capacity building for professionals in the sector.
The Odyssey vessel, a state-of-the-art training ship, will provide students, particularly those from the Regional Maritime University (RMU), with hands-on experience and practical training in real-world maritime operations. This addition is expected to improve the quality of seafaring education and help produce highly skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the growing global maritime industry.
In his remarks, Hon. Nikpe expressed his excitement at the arrival of the vessel, noting that it would further support the government’s vision of creating job opportunities within the maritime industry. He emphasized that the vessel would not only benefit RMU students but also play a role in enhancing Ghana's maritime security and safety standards.
In addition to its educational and professional training benefits, the Odyssey vessel will also serve as a potential tourism asset for Ghana. With its state-of-the-art facilities and unique positioning as a training vessel, it is expected to attract maritime enthusiasts, tourists, and industry professionals, boosting the country’s maritime tourism sector.
The vessel will provide opportunities for guided tours, educational excursions, and other maritime-related activities, contributing to Ghana’s tourism growth and promoting the country as a key maritime destination.
With the vessel now part of Ghana’s maritime resources, it is expected to elevate the country’s maritime training programs, contribute to the tourism industry, and provide a new generation of seafarers with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive global maritime sector.
Hon. Nikpe was accompanied by his colleague, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, and the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority.