By Mohamed Sankoh
The Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency (SLNSA) is taking part in the 34th Session of the Board of Governors and Committee of Experts Meeting of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), currently being held at the Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown.
The four-day high-level meeting brings together delegates from the five RMU member states — Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone, which is hosting the 2025 session. The gathering serves as a key platform for member countries to review progress, assess institutional performance, and chart new strategies for strengthening maritime education and regional cooperation.
Representing the Sierra Leone National Shipping Agency at the session are Mr. Alpha Abdulai Sesay, Director of Finance; Mr. Mohamed Sankoh, Media Relations Officer; and Madam Aminata Sillah, Assistant Commercial Services Administrator.
In his opening remarks, Senior Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Edward Kwame Yankson, welcomed delegates and experts from across the region, assuring them of Sierra Leone’s trademark hospitality and a conducive environment for meaningful deliberations.
He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among RMU member states to advance maritime education and ensure the university remains a beacon of excellence in West and Central Africa. Mr. Yankson also commended the RMU leadership for its efforts to maintain high academic standards and to expand training opportunities for maritime professionals in the sub-region.
The 34th Session of the RMU Board of Governors and Committee of Experts aims to address key policy, administrative, and financial matters affecting the university. Discussions are centered around infrastructure development, resource mobilization, program accreditation, and capacity-building initiatives.
This year’s meeting comes at a critical time for RMU, as the university continues to face financial challenges — including a GHS 10 million budget deficit — and calls on member states to settle their contributions to sustain ongoing projects.
Sierra Leone’s participation through the SLNSA reflects the country’s strong commitment to Maritime development and regional integration, particularly in ensuring that RMU remains well-positioned to train competent seafarers and maritime professionals who meet international standards.
The Regional Maritime University, headquartered in Accra, Ghana, plays a pivotal role in building human resource capacity for the maritime and shipping industries across Africa. Its programs provide specialized training in marine engineering, nautical science, logistics, and port management, among others.
The institution’s continued growth and modernization are essential to supporting the Blue Economy initiatives of member states, including Sierra Leone’s expanding maritime and port sectors. Through participation in meetings like the 34th session, agencies such as the SLNSA gain insights into new developments, best practices, and collaborative opportunities within the maritime industry.
