By Stanley Senya
Accra, Sept. 21, GNA – The Regional Maritime University (RMU) will host the RMU-Laud Okantey Blue Economy Public Lecture Series on October 15, 2025 in Accra.
The memorial lecture would be held in honour of the late renowned maritime professional and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tilbury Environmental Ghana Limited, Mr Laud Okantey.
A statement issued in Accra said the late Okantey was originally scheduled to serve as Chief Patron of the event before his passing.
The lecture series on the theme: “The Blue
Economy: How Can Ghana Benefit for National Development and Job Creation within the Context of a 24-Hour Economy”, would feature distinguished experts from academia, industry and government.
It said the series was also aimed at creating a flagship annual event that fostered awareness, engagement, and knowledge sharing around the Blue Economy with specific objectives such as promoting awareness, knowledge exchange, policy advocacy, student engagement and institutional visibility.
It would feature panel discussions, recognition as well as networking sessions.
The statement said the Keynote Speaker for the event would be the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, with other notable speakers, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing and Founder and Executive Coordinator of Transitional Co-operation for Sustainable African Ports, Dr Harry Barnes-Dabban.
Dr Robert Nyemah, Head of Research and Innovation at RMU, speaking ahead of the event, emphasised the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health, was rapidly emerging as a key development strategy for coastal and maritime nations.
“In line with Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, there is an increasing need for platforms that support critical discourse, public education, innovation and stakeholder engagement in this field,” Dr Nyemah said.
He said the RMU, as a leading maritime training and research institution in West and Central Africa, was well-positioned to lead this conversation and help foster innovation, strategic partnerships and a deeper public understanding of sustainable ocean-based development.
“After this lecture series, we anticipate increased public understanding of the blue economy, strengthened linkages between RMU and industry,
government and development partners, as well as greater student and faculty involvement in research and advocacy for marine sustainability,” he added.
He urged the government to invest in marine waste management infrastructure and encouraged the private sector to support academic institutions in advancing research and development in the blue economy.
“This series should not be seen as just another talk show. It is a strategic step toward a more sustainable future, one where the blue economy drives national growth and prosperity,” he emphasised.
“The event will serve as a pivotal moment, one where stakeholders deepen their understanding and commit to sustainable practices for the benefit of future generations,” he said.
Dr Nyemah called on stakeholders especially shipping companies and port authorities to act as catalysts for change as spearheaded by the late Mr Okantey prior to his demise.
The late Mr Okantey was an accomplished Ghanaian business executive and maritime industry leader with over two decades of extensive experience in corporate leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and sustainable development initiatives.
He was widely recognised for his visionary approach, pragmatic leadership and commitment to innovation, particularly in the fields of environmental management, logistics and the blue economy.
Mr Okantey served as the Managing Director of Tilbury Environmental Ghana Limited from 2008 until his passing, where he spearheaded the company’s transformation into a leading player in maritime environmental services.
Prior to that, he held the role of Financial Director at Tilbury, overseeing strategic financial operations and helping to establish a solid fiscal foundation for growth.
Over his career, he held Senior roles in multiple
sectors from construction and logistics to trading and marketing including leadership positions at Laud Transport Services, Laud Trade and Investment, Omega Star Construction, and Meridian Gold Coast Trading Company.
He was also involved in the professional services and auditing space through his longstanding affiliation with Alex Thompson & Associates.
The late Mr Okantey was known for his strong leadership and communication skills, proven track record of profitable business growth, exceptional financial and operational oversight,deep understanding of complex supply chains, forward-thinking marketing strategies and passion for sustainability and ocean health.
In addition to his executive roles, he was a Board Member of Menergy International (Ghana) Limited and Star Royal Complex School, where he contributed to governance, policy development and strategic planning.
A passionate advocate of marine sustainability, the
late Mr Okantey attended international conferences, including the Greenport Conference, Africa Ports and Harbours Show, and the MARPOL Convention, where he remained actively engaged in industry discourse around maritime safety, waste management and ocean conservation.
He was scheduled to serve as the Chief Patron of the inaugural RMU-Laud Okantey Blue Economy Public Lecture Series, a testament to his enduring commitment to the sustainable development of Ghana’s maritime sector.
Though he passed before the event could take place, the lecture series would stand as a tribute to his legacy, one rooted in innovation, environmental stewardship and youth empowerment.
GNA
Christian Akorlie