Nungua, June 09, GNA -- President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday underscored the need for indigenous fishermen and Operators of Inland Water Transport to acquire basic maritime training to improve their efficiency at sea to help reduce the rampant accidents. He therefore, called on the authorities of the Regional Maritime Academy (RMA) to put in place a programme to give basic training in safety, security and environmental protection to the fishermen. The President made the call in a speech read for him by Mr Kwadwo Mpianim, Chief of Staff and Presidential Affairs at the 37th graduation parade of the RMA at Nungua.

He noted that, "in our part of the world, fishermen make up the majority of people who ply their various trades in our waters so the training would instill efficiency to enable them to go about their operations with care."

President Kufuor noted that the recent Volta lake disaster and the Jola Ferry tragedy in Senegal could have been averted if those manning the vessels and plying the waters had the requisite up-to date skills. He gave the assurance that Ghana, being the host country would continue to do its best to ensure that the RMA develops and commended the authorities for achieving excellence in the provision of highly qualified maritime personnel and as a catalyst for regional integration. The President however, appealed to founding member countries and others to play active roles in the running of the affairs of the academy to expand its facilities.

For the graduands, President Kufuor entreated them to let the quality training acquired manifest in their operations and become marketable.

In a speech, Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Harbours and Railways hinted that the board is considering establishing a Fisheries Department, which would design courses and train fishermen as well as associate personnel to ensure security and safety on the waterways and prevent the degradation of the environment. Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi who is also the chairman of the RMA Board of Governors (BOG) said the board is addressing the issue of seaboard training of cadets and the creation of job opportunities saying that with the demise of the national shipping lines in the sub-region there is presently a number of well-trained seamen without jobs. He attributed this to the lack of effective marketing of our seafarers in the international labour market yet employment for them abroad has numerous benefits.

The Minister gave the assurance that despite the constraints, the board would ensure that the RMA remains a centre of excellence that provides its students with the facility to realize their full potential both in personality and employment.

To achieve this goal, he appealed to stakeholders and well-wishers to give their full support.

The Principal of the Academy, Captain Aaron Obeng Turkson said starting as the Ghana Nautical College in 1958 and transforming into the RMA in 1983 the institution has now become one of the most reputable and famous centre in maritime education and training.

He said the current student population on regular courses stands at 802, and 1,000 students for short courses, adding that apart from diploma courses the academy runs Bachelor of Science degree courses in marine technology, electrical/electronics engineering, nautical science and maritime studies.

The Principal said the academy lacks modern and well-equipped library, a spacious auditorium, a school bus and an administrative block and appealed to stakeholders, co-operate bodies and individuals to assist in this direction.

Awards were given to three students for excelling in the various fields with the best disciplined award going to Boma Victorien. Five West African countries- Ghana, the Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cameroon constitute the governing body of founding members with non-member states being Madagascar, Benin, Nigeria, Gabon, Congo and others. 09 June 06