The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., officially opened the 2025 Educational and Career Fair on Tuesday, April 8.
Dignitaries at the opening ceremony of the Educational and Career Fair
The opening ceremony of this two-day event, organized by RMU in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) under the theme “Guiding Tomorrow’s Leaders to Career Choices in the Maritime Industry,” attracted industry players, distinguished maritime administrators (both past and present), RMU management and staff, as well as students from Senior High Schools (SHSs) within Accra.
Participating schools included Accra Girls, Accra High, Achimota School, Labone SHS, and Presbyterian Boys SHS.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr. explained that the two-day event was designed to not only highlight the existence of such a viable institution but also to encourage parents, sponsors, and students to choose RMU for a successful career. He mentioned that with four shipping companies currently employing most of RMU’s sea-going graduates, and more to be added, students can be assured that job opportunities will be available once they meet the soft skills requirements.
Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr
He emphasized that the fair would help connect students and prospective students with industry professionals, allowing them to explore opportunities in the maritime sector and gain invaluable insights into the skills, qualifications, and experiences required to succeed in the field.
Dr. Brooks also expressed appreciation to the GMA for their collaboration, as well as to the university’s management and members of the organizing committee, who worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success.
He also expressed pride in the university’s heritage following the successful opening of the 2025 Educational and Career Fair on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
With over 60 years of existence, the Acting Vice Chancellor stated that RMU could walk with its head held high and confidently announce to the maritime world that the university had arrived.
Some RMU staff and students at the fair
He emphasized that RMU would continue to serve by imparting specialized skills and providing maritime education and training to its students.
Dr. Brooks Jr. expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Ghana for establishing the Ghana Nautical College in 1958 and for agreeing to host the union of five West and Central African countries in 1983 under the auspices of what is now the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA), which eventually led to the establishment of the Regional Maritime Academy.
He expressed appreciation to the government for the continued support towards the growth of the RMU.
He highlighted that the union was a testament to the fact that, contrary to common belief, Africans can work together.
A section of RMU staff
He further noted that, given the rise of trade protectionism and the spread of neo-colonialism, there is no better time for Africans to collectively encourage and support institutions like RMU for the common good of their citizens.
Dr. Brooks Jr. stressed the need to change mindsets, attitudes and collaborate for a prosperous future for upcoming generations.
Some students in a pose with Mrs. Ofori-Addai
He also pointed out that RMU had seen a steady increase in its enrollment over the years, particularly among female students, with the university currently boasting one of the highest numbers of female cadets, with approximately 100 students.
Some SHS students at the fair
The two-day fair, Dr. Brooks Jr. concluded, would highlight the university’s accomplishments and its prospects for the future.
Some students at the fair
In her remarks, the Guest Speaker, Mrs. Magdalene Ofori-Addai, Principal Maritime Officer at GMA, stated that the fair was a step in the right direction. She explained that it would offer students valuable insights into the maritime industry and assist them in making informed career choices as new opportunities emerge daily due to technological advancements.
She encouraged students to understand their strengths and interests, leverage mentorship and networking, seek knowledge and skills, and gain practical experience in pursuing their chosen professions.
The Deputy Director of the Maritime Services Division at GMA, Ms. Barbara Darko, also stressed the importance of recognizing the diverse opportunities available in the maritime industry.
The event featured a presentation by Madam Sandra Larbi, Chief Executive Officer of World Recruit Services Limited, on the topic, “The Role of Africa in Global Efforts to Tackle Climate Change.”
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Eric Duncan, acknowledged the sponsors for their efforts, emphasizing that RMU is committed to providing a credible pathway for students to achieve sustainable careers.
Dr Eric Duncan
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of citations to distinguished maritime administrators and government officials for their contributions to the growth of the industry.
The Honorees in a pose with Mrs Ofori-Addai
The honorees included Captain Hannah Aba Aggrey, Captain Catherine Haizel, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and Mrs. Catherine Asirifi. Their citations were presented by the University Registrar, Dr. Baboucarr Njie, who expressed gratitude to the individuals for their dedicated efforts.