Accra, June 29, GNA - The Rector of the World Maritime University, Dr. Karl Laubestein on Thursday said the enrolment of women in the World Maritime University (WMU) has increased from six in 1996 to 49 during the current academic year.

He said the promotion of women's participation on the Maritime Academy over the years has attracted more funding for its programmes.

Dr. Laubestein said this when he called on the Minister of Roads and Transport as part of a four-day working visit. The Rector will also inspect some maritime organisations and training facilities of the Regional Maritime Academy that is an affiliate to the WMU in Malmo, Sweden.

Dr Laubestein said the WMU was established under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for international shipping and to offer advanced training to the world's maritime community.

He said over 40 Ghanaians have benefited from the post-graduate programmes of the university since its establishment in 1983. The WMU is to establish relations with Ghanaian universities in programmes, field studies and other related areas for their mutual benefit.

The Minister, Mr Edward Salia said that the government is grateful to the WMA for its contributions towards developments at the regional Maritime Academy.

Mr Salia said Ghana's first female captain, Mrs Beatrice Vormawor is a product of the world academy. He suggested that some of the shipping companies in the country should sponsor students to the institute.