By Lamin Njie
The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure is set to host the 30th Board of Governors and Experts Meetings of the Regional Maritime University from the 7th to 10th November, 2023 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
During the first three days of the meeting, experts from member countries: The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cameroon, will discuss and brainstorm on pertinent issues affecting the regional maritime body, including the successes, challenges and the way forward.
Friday, November 10th, which is the last day of the meeting, is scheduled for the meeting of the Board of Governors of the Maritime University.
Ebrima Sillah, the Gambian Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure is the chairman and chancellor of the Regional Maritime University. The portfolio is a two- year rotational position.
During the board meeting, members are expected to review the activities of the University for the six months to come.
About RMU:
The Regional Maritime University (RMU) is an international tertiary institution with diplomatic status in Accra, Ghana. Founded by the Republics of Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, RMU atained full University status on the 25th of October, 2007 and was launched as such by His Excellency, John Agyekum Kuffour, President of the Republic of Ghana. The RMU occupies the premises of the old Ghana Nautical College which was established in 1958 to train ratings for the erstwhile State Shipping Corporation (Black Star Line).
On 1st October, 1982, the Government of Ghana promulgated the Regional Maritime Law 1982 which was followed by the signing of the instrument of transfer, handing over the College to the then Ministerial Conference of West and Central African States on Maritime Transport (MINCONMAR), now known as Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), which negotiated for its regionalization.
The overall objective for the establishment of RMA was to promote regional co-operation in the maritime industry focusing on the training to ensure the sustained growth and development of the industry. The RMU also maintains the same overall objective.
Photo Credit: voicegambia
