Management and staff of the RMU with the Petroleum Commission delegation
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Petroleum Commission Ghana, Madam Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, accompanied by Mrs Sarah Quayson Danquah, Director, Capacity Development and Localisation Directorate, paid a working visit to the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra on Thursday August 14, 2025.
The visit sought to reaffirm the long-standing relationship between the two institutions, explore new avenues for collaboration and strategize on enhancing the capacity of Ghanaians to take up critical roles in the maritime, oil, and gas industries.
The delegation was warmly received by RMU management and staff, led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., and the University Registrar, Dr. Babouccar Njie.
In his remarks, Dr. Brooks highlighted the fruitful history of collaboration between the RMU and the Petroleum Commission, particularly the establishment of a world-class Welding and Fabrication Centre at the University’s Vocational Skills Training Centre (VSTC).
Ag. VC and Madam Hardcastle
He noted that the center has trained thousands of students since its inception and expressed interest in deepening cooperation, including the training of Commission staff.
Dr. Brooks further appealed for support in acquiring a welding simulator, which would help reduce training costs and enhance efficiency.
Management and staff, engaging the Petroleum Commission delegation
On her part, Madam Hardcastle reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to revamping the Ghana Welders Bureau initiative in partnership with RMU, with the goal of developing a globally competitive welding industry welding industry in Ghana. She acknowledged RMU’s pivotal role in this endeavor and underscored the need sustain and expand the partnership for mutual benefit.
Madam Hardcastle (middle) with Mrs Danquah(left) at the meeting
She further expressed optimism that RMU’s rich experience and state-of-the-art facilities would help bridge existing skills gaps and enable more Ghanaians to take up critical roles in the oil and gas sector. She noted that partnership proposals for capacity building would be reviewed and implemented to create employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth.
Madam Hardcastle also assured RMU of her dedication to supporting the university’s growth and encouraged efforts to make its centers of excellence self-sustaining.
According to her, a holistic collaboration between the Commission and RMU was essential to addressing industry challenges and ensuring that Ghana produces the right professionals for the job market, reducing dependency on expatriate expertise.
Dr Isaac Animah(left) and Madam Sika Attipoe(second left) took the delegation on a tour of the Workboat
Madam Hardcastle emphasized the need for internationally recognized certifications to empower local companies to train individuals for the sector.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured the VSTC, where Ing. J.F. Tetteh, Head of the Centre, showcased some of the facility’s capabilities and products.
Ing. Tetteh taking the delegation on a tour of the VSTC
Dr. Brooks, while commending the Commission’s continuous support, emphasized that although the Welding and Fabrication Centre offers world-class services, it is currently operating at only 30% capacity. He urged the Commission to support RMU in training more young people in fabrication to address the national shortage of skilled fabricators and to unlock the potential for large-scale commercialization of the Centre’s products.
The discussions ended with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and create more opportunities for Ghanaians in the maritime, oil, and gas sectors.