A high-level delegation from the Regional Maritime University (RMU), led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., has paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport, Mr. William Kartey.
The visit served to officially welcome the Chief Director and discuss strategic pathways for the university’s continued growth.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor highlighted the University’s impressive trajectory, noting a significant surge in student enrolment. He emphasised that RMU’s remit has reached a new milestone, with membership now spanning six nations: Ghana, Cameroon, The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and a newly admitted member state. With a seventh nation expected to join in the near future, this expansion further underscores Ghana’s strategic importance and leadership as the host nation of this premier maritime institution.
While expressing gratitude for the over 40 years of government support, the University leadership outlined critical operational challenges. With an annual budget of $8 - $9 million and staff costs reaching $7 million, current member state contributions ($300,000 - $350,000) fall short of the required $1.1 - $1.2 million. The university appealed for regular subventions to ensure fiscal stability.
On infrastructure, the Acting Vice-Chancellor commended the Government for resuming work on two previously stalled building projects. However, he emphasised the urgent need for additional classrooms and at least 100 new beds to keep pace with rising enrolment. He specifically highlighted the growth of the female student body, noting that the university currently hosts over 100 female cadets, with an additional 35 expected to join during the current academic year.
The Chief Director, Mr. William Kartey, pledged the Ministry’s continued support, specifically noting progress on securing a training vessel via Chinese investment and praising the strategic value of RMU’s upcoming Blue Economy Master’s degree.
With Ghana set to assume the Chancellorship of the RMU Governing Board in June, both the Ministry and the University reaffirmed their dedication to providing outstanding services in maritime education and regional cooperation.
