Accra, Ghana – The Regional Maritime University (RMU) hosted the second graduation ceremony for Heavy-Duty Equipment and Forklift Operators in the West and Central African sub-region at its Accra campus.
The event highlighted the crucial role of skills development and corporate support in preparing youth for a competitive job market. Dr. Barboucarr Njie, representing the Ag. Vice Chancellor Dr. Jethro Brooks Jnr., commended the determination and hard work of graduates, emphasizing the importance of the program and commended its initiators, instructors, and resource persons.
Dr. Njie stressed the significance of the university’s partnerships while encouraging other potential partners to follow suit and support youth development.
Dr. Baboucarr Njie, the University Registrar, emphasized the RMU’s role in shaping the regions workforce by equipping young individuals with the tools to thrive in the ever-changing professional landscape. He stated that such collaborative efforts would lead to a brighter future for the youth through skill development and corporate support.
Mr. Ohene Addo, Operations Manager of Meridian Port Services (MPS), delivered an address focusing on practical, marketable skills and a positive attitude for Ghana’s youth. He urged graduates to seek on-the-job experience, engage in continuous learning, and emphasized the role of corporate Ghana in developing young talents.
Drawing from real-world experience, Mr. Addo showcased the productivity and wage advantages of local workers in a specific project, emphasizing the value of avoiding idle social media use and viewing tasks as skill development opportunities. He also announced upcoming maritime internships and certification opportunities at MPS.
Mr. Dominic Kofi Eyiah, President of the National Association for Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators Ghana (NAHEOG), reiterated the importance of empowering youth for a dynamic job
market through equipping youth with employable skills and called for internships, apprenticeships, and mentoring to provide hands-on experience.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the successful completion of training for the second batch of 45 trainees in crane and forklift operations, made possible through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the RMU and the National Association for Heavy-Duty Operators of Ghana. This collaboration underscores a commitment to enhancing the employability of youth and providing them with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in a competitive job environment.