Accra, June 13, GNA- Government, through the Ministry of Transport will collaborate with the Paramount Chief of Nungua to address the massive land encroachment at the Regional Maritime University (RMU).
Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister of Transport said the government would investigate the concerns of the University and find solutions to the land issues.
According to the management of the University, most of the Lands provided for use by the University have been and continued to be encroached upon.
Mr Asiamah gave the assurance at the 16th Congregation of the University in Accra.
A total of 422 graduates were awarded Diplomas, Bachelors, and master’s degrees. Out of this number, 62 per cent received their master’s degrees, 297 had bachelor’s degrees and 83 were awarded diplomas.
Twenty-Seven per cent of the undergraduates graduated with First Class Honours, 57 per cent had Second Class Upper, while 16 per cent had Second Class Lower Division degrees.
Six per cent and 57 per cent of the diploma candidates obtained Distinction and Upper Credit respectively, while 33 per cent and four per cent obtained Lower Credit and Merit respectively.
He said even if the encroachers manage to put up a building, those buildings would be brought down.
Mr Asiamah, who is the Chairman of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), said one of the cardinal objectives of the Organisation was to strengthen the Regional Academy of Maritime Science and Technology in Abidjan and the Regional Maritime University in Accra.
It is to provide training at all levels of the maritime, fishing and in the petroleum industry, including exchange of teaching personnel, and provision of facilities for sea-training for cadets.
MOWCA, thus, will ensure the realization of this important objective by harnessing the needed resources required by these institutions to assist them to deliver on their respective mandates.
Mr Ebrima Sillah, the Chancellor of RMU, called on Member States to continue to support the development of the University, which provided training for the teeming youth.
He said as the University strives to increase its capital base over the years, contributions from Member States could not be overemphasized.
He said, “as Chairman of the Board of Governors, I want to reiterate my dedication in ensuring that the financial strength of the University was augmented.”
Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jnr., the Acting Vice Chancellor RMU, said all efforts by past and present administrations of the University to address this problem have proven futile.
He said management of the University would want the support from government through the Ministry with collaboration from the Nungua Traditional Council to stop people from encroaching on the land.
The Acting Vice Chancellor commended individuals and organisations for coming to the aid of the University through sponsorship and other benevolent activities.
“Your graduation today, attest to the fact that you have worked assiduously to add value to yourself and improve your skills,” he said.
He said undoubtedly, the graduates would encounter many new and diverse situations but he was more than confident that they could confront each situation and excel with astuteness, resoluteness, and resilience.
“Be brave, be forthright, go out there and contribute immensely to the development of your respective countries,” he added.
GNA