Sierra Leone has officially taken the reins of leadership at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) following a ceremony held at the RMU campus in Accra, Ghana on June 25, 2024. The event marked the 31st session of the RMU Board of Governors’ meeting, during which Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rtd. Col. Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq, assumed the role of Chairperson of the Board of Governors from Hon. Ebrima Sillah of The Gambia. Ambassador Turay will hold this position for the next two years.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) Sama Ansu Gamanga, the Deputy Executive Director of SLMA acknowledged the absence of his Boss as the designated Chairperson of the experts’ committee due to prior commitments, while highlighting Sierra Leone’s historical contributions to the university.
He assured the Board of Ambassador Turay’s commitment to enhancing the university’s growth through collaboration among member states. Mr. Gamanga emphasized Ambassador Turay’s dedication to steering the RMU towards new achievements, particularly in addressing global challenges such as maritime safety, the demand for seafarer training, and the complexities of global maritime trade.
He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to navigate these challenges effectively under Ambassador Turay’s leadership. The RMU Chairmanship rotates alphabetically among its founding member countries—The Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cameroon—each serving a two-year term to ensure equitable representation and leadership opportunities.
The meeting was attended by officials from RMU member states, alongside distinguished personalities from regional countries. It provided a platform for the Board to review the university’s recent activities, consider programs and projects for further improvement.
The Regional Maritime University, with its mission to provide quality maritime education and training, continues to be a vital institution in West Africa. With Sierra Leone at the helm, the university is poised to enhance its contributions to the maritime sector, fostering innovation and excellence.
As Sierra Leone takes on this leadership role, it underscores the nation’s commitment to maritime advancement and regional cooperation under the astute leadership of Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Executive Director- Sierra Leone Maritime Administration.
The next two years promise to be a period of growth and development for the RMU, guided by the steadfast leadership of Ambassador Turay and the collaborative efforts of all member states.
