By: Saidu Jalloh
Sierra Leone The Government of Sierra Leone recently hosted the 34th Meeting of the Board of Governors and Committee of Experts of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), gathering senior representatives from member states to discuss critical operational and financial issues affecting the institution.
The high-level meeting, chaired by Senior Permanent Secretary Edward Kwame Yankson, brought together representatives from Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. During the session, RMU management appealed to member states to urgently settle outstanding financial contributions to help bridge a $10 million budget deficit and sustain university operations.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Emmanuel Lassana, Deputy Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, explained that the Committee of Experts convened to present findings from management reports and make crucial decisions based on these findings. He added that the Committee would also review submissions from both university staff and student representatives to determine which recommendations could be endorsed or deferred before forwarding them to the Ministers of Transport in the five member states.
Mr. Lassana emphasized that maritime issues remain a national priority, highlighting that most goods entering Sierra Leone come through the seaport, making the country a key maritime jurisdiction. He commended the Minister of Transport for serving as Chancellor of RMU, describing it as a remarkable achievement for Sierra Leone and a testament to the country’s leadership in regional maritime affairs. He also praised the three agencies under the transport sector for pooling resources to ensure the successful hosting of the meeting.
In his report for the period June to November 2025, Acting Vice-Chancellor Jethoro Brooks noted that despite financial challenges, the 2024–2025 academic year concluded successfully in June 2025, with the campus environment remaining peaceful and conducive to learning. However, he identified four major challenges currently facing the university, the most pressing of which is the urgent need to expand teaching and learning facilities in response to rising student enrollment. To address this, management has sought approval to construct three new lecture theatres at an estimated cost of GHS 4.5 million (approximately USD 375,000).
Plans are also underway to build new student dormitories using internal resources, following unsuccessful attempts to attract a private developer.
A major boost to maritime training came in the form of a partnership with Hafnia Shipping Company, which has pledged support for the provision of a Full Mission Bridge Simulator and an Engine Room Simulator valued at over USD 1.5 million. These state-of-the-art simulators are expected to be installed before the end of 2026.
Management also highlighted the need to renew the university’s tax exemption facility, which expired three years ago. Delays in renewing the exemption have cost RMU thousands of dollars annually in import duties for teaching and research materials.
The report also noted the need to renovate the former Vice-Chancellor’s residence at a cost of GHS 1.1 million (USD 88,000), a project that will be implemented over two fiscal years due to limited revenue.
Operating under severe financial strain, RMU attributed its current GHS 10 million deficit largely to inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. The 2025 budget was prepared at a rate of 1 USD = GHS 12, but the current rate of GHS 10.25 has significantly increased operational costs.
Management appealed to member states to expedite the payment of their arrears to allow the university to retool laboratories, upgrade infrastructure, and improve the learning environment. Without these contributions, RMU warned that cost-cutting measures may become inevitable.
Meanwhile, Seth N. Antibie-Adamu, President of the RMU Student Representative Council (SRC), expressed gratitude to the Board of Governors for their continued support to students. He noted that the meeting strengthened the Council’s commitment to effective student representation and highlighted several challenges faced by students, including inadequate security, limited accommodation, and a shortage of classrooms.
He commended the university administration for making online course registration and exam eligibility more accessible, despite some technical challenges. The SRC President also appealed for the prompt release of academic results to prevent confusion among students about their academic standing.
Mr. Antibie-Adamu revealed that the SRC had established a support committee to assist students facing difficulties and proposed that students be given representation on the Academic Council to enhance collaboration and inclusion in decision-making.
Despite these challenges, RMU continues to strengthen partnerships with both regional and international organizations, including the National Association of Heavy-Duty Equipment Operators (Ghana), National Port Authority of Liberia, Samina HR Ghana Limited, JNV PSM Ghana Limited, and Ghana Oil Drilling Company. These collaborations have resulted in infrastructure refurbishments and training programs that enhance the university’s capacity.
Enrollment in RMU’s master’s programs continues to rise, from 60 students in 2024 to about 130 in 2025, reflecting the university’s expanding regional reputation and academic appeal.
The review period also saw several high-profile visits, including those of Hon. Dakoa Newman Ofori-Kofi, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Transport, and H.E. Jacob Linndner, Denmark’s Ambassador to Ghana, both of whom commended RMU’s progress and pledged continued support.
Additionally, the Canadian Welding Institute has begun constructing two new buildings on campus and repainting existing structures in RMU’s signature blue-and-white color scheme, with further support from CPI to complete ongoing renovations.
In conclusion, RMU management reaffirmed its commitment to financial prudence, institutional growth, and academic excellence. Efforts are also underway to secure new program accreditations by December 2025 or early 2026.
“Despite financial and infrastructural challenges, the Regional Maritime University remains steadfast in its mission to provide quality maritime education and research opportunities,” the report concluded.
