Heritage Newspaper-Sierra Leone

Heritage Newspaper-Sierra Leone The papers major focus is promoting Sierra Leone's Tourism

The Heritage Newspaper was born out of a passion to provide people with the news and information they value and need to understand their world, govern themselves effectively.

๐”๐๐€ ๐’๐ข๐ž๐ซ๐ซ๐š ๐‹๐ž๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ๐œ๐š๐ฌ๐ž๐ฌ ๐€๐Ÿ๐ซ๐ข๐œ๐š๐ง ๐ก๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ ๐ž In a vibrant celebration of culture and unity, the United Bank for Africa (U...
03/06/2025

๐”๐๐€ ๐’๐ข๐ž๐ซ๐ซ๐š ๐‹๐ž๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ๐œ๐š๐ฌ๐ž๐ฌ ๐€๐Ÿ๐ซ๐ข๐œ๐š๐ง ๐ก๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ ๐ž

In a vibrant celebration of culture and unity, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and its Sierra Leone touch points joined the rest of the continents in commemorating Africa Day on Friday 23rd May 2025. The event, held at the bankโ€™s head office in Charlotte Street Freetown, brought together staff, customers, and members of the public, all dressed in colourful traditional attire to showcase the richness and diversity of the African heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of UBA Sierra Leone, Chiedu Ngene, described Africa Day as a moment set aside every year to celebrate the uniqueness of Africa. "UBA is identified as an Africa global bank, and this day is significant because it reflects our strength in cultural diversity,โ€ he stated. This yearโ€™s celebration is themed, โ€œThe Stories of Africa are Better Told by Africa Itself,โ€ practically served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting our African cultures. โ€œAfrica is unique among all continents, it is a home to countless tribes, languages, and traditions. The COO continued by saying that,It is our responsibility to showcase and preserve that beauty,โ€. He encouraged institutions and individuals to continue telling Africaโ€™s stories through culture, tradition, and unity, noting that if cultural values are not maintained, they risk being lost over time. โ€œIf young people can be encouraged to celebrate African culture every year, its richness will be preserved and passed on from generation to generation.
The Country Head of Human Capital Management, Millicent Yormah Kamara, echoed the COOโ€™s remarks, saying, โ€œWe are celebrating Africa Day because UBA is an African bank, and we are committed to projecting African culture to the world. Today, across the 20 African countries where UBA operates, we celebrate the uniqueness of our cultures. Here in Sierra Leone, we have many tribes, and each was proudly represented.โ€The celebration also highlighted staff dressed iconically in traditional outfits.
Staff from different units were all adorned in cultural wear symbolizing various tribes and cultures, urged all Sierra Leoneans to preserve and value African culture, stating that culture gives identity and meaning. UBA Sierra Leoneโ€™s Africa Day celebration stood as a shining example of how institutions can lead in promoting African identity. The bank believes that although Africa Day may not be declared a public holiday, it is still a day that deserves national recognition and active participation.
The colourful event ended with music, dance, storytelling, and a renewed sense of pride in being African.

๐€๐ฆ๐›. ๐๐š๐ฎ๐ฅ ๐Œ๐š๐ฌ๐ฌ๐š๐ช๐ฎ๐จ๐ข ๐„๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐Ž๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ ๐…๐จ๐ซ ๐’๐š๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ž Sierra Leoneโ€™s Ambassador to South Korea, Ambassador Paul...
03/06/2025

๐€๐ฆ๐›. ๐๐š๐ฎ๐ฅ ๐Œ๐š๐ฌ๐ฌ๐š๐ช๐ฎ๐จ๐ข ๐„๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐Ž๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ ๐…๐จ๐ซ ๐’๐š๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ž

Sierra Leoneโ€™s Ambassador to South Korea, Ambassador Paul Massaquoi, has met with the President of Koreaโ€™s Chamber of Commerce (โ€œPresident KCCIโ€) to explore business opportunities for Sierra Leone.
During a courtesy visit, Ambassador Paul Massaquoi discussed the need for setting in train the pre-existing agreed bi-lateral trade relations between Sierra Leoneโ€™s Ministry of Trade and the KCCI, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between both countries adopted at the Korea-Africa Summit in June 2024.
The meeting recognised the importance of promoting and boosting investment and trade opportunities for Sierra Leone, including her West African neighbours.
He also discussed the need to optimise the initiative as an untapped venture, agreeing that although the market is readily available for such bold initiative; it has not been taken up.
Worthy of note is the fact that understanding and insight among many Koreans on Sierra Leone is vague and superficial, thereby serving as further rationale to expedite steps aimed at a meaningfully socio-economic and geopolitical interaction aimed at bridging the knowledge gap.
In this regard, Ambassador Paul Massaquoi has extended formal invitation to the President of KCCI to encourage the Korean businesses community to participate in a conducted visit and tour of Sierra Leone in particular as a case study, and other West African countries, to see the abundant trade and investment opportunities available.
Ambassador Massaquoi focused the President of KCCIโ€™s attention on the pressing need to consider the favourable opportunities Sierra Leone presents for trading and welcome his timely direct engagement within the minimum of delay.
Responding to the above overture, the President of KCCI reiterated Koreaโ€™s long-standing interest in investing throughout Africa, especially in Sierra Leone. However, he noted that many Korean investors were cautious about putting their resources into markets where the returns are uncertain or minimal.
The President of KCCI said that the reason why Korea had reservations was due to Korean investors specifically looking for secure, capital-intensive projects. This includes tangible infrastructural projects on development such as railway and transportation networks, roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, smart cities, agricultural technology, and medical research facilities.
The President of KCCI suggested that Ambassador Massaquoi should commence steps that would encourage the Government of Sierra Leone to develop and present strong investment proposals, the outcome of which they agreed was more capable of surpassing small-scale grants for short term solutions.
To illustrate a project result-oriented model, the President referred to countries in East Africa and the significant yields realised by actively showcasing investment-ready projects.
The overture by Ambassador Paul Massaquoi for and on behalf of Sierra Leone was commended as being an example of farsighted forward-thinking diplomacy and creative initiatives aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone's position in Korea's ever-evolving diplomatic and investment scene.
Ambassador Paul Massaquoi concluded the meeting on a very optimistic note, having agreed provision of feedbacks on a set of action plans: Organizing a West Africa Business Forum in Korea scheduled for October 2025; Hosting a West Africa Business Summit in Sierra Leone in 2026; Planning to establish a direct flight route between Korea and West Africa; and Exploring a rice-for-coffee trade partnership between Sierra Leone (including West Africa) and Korea.
He proposed to meet again with the President of KCCI after further consultations with their respective boards and governments, now that they have identified and recognised these highly significant strides at the earliest opportuned time.

๐๐ข๐  ๐›๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐ฌ๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ ๐š๐ฌโ€ฆ๐ˆ๐ญ๐š๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐“๐จ ๐ˆ๐ง๐ฏ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ ๐Œ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ˆ๐ง ๐˜๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐Œ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ The Ministry of Youth Affairs has signed a land...
03/06/2025

๐๐ข๐  ๐›๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐ฌ๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ ๐š๐ฌโ€ฆ
๐ˆ๐ญ๐š๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐“๐จ ๐ˆ๐ง๐ฏ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ ๐Œ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ˆ๐ง ๐˜๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐Œ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ

The Ministry of Youth Affairs has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Italian Consulate to strengthen the Youth in Agriculture initiative, ushering in a new era of opportunity, empowerment, and development for young people across Sierra Leone.
Consulate General of Italy, Dr Luigi Manganiello, expressed strong confidence in the partnership, stating, โ€œIโ€™m pleased to work with the new Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Sannoh. I know he will deliver. Youth in Agriculture is one of our priority projects, and the Italian government, through this Consulate, is ready to support cacao production and other impactful initiatives.โ€
Minister Ibrahim Sannoh, speaking on behalf of the Ministry, extended heartfelt appreciation to Dr Manganiello and the Italian Consulate for putting Sierra Leone first. โ€œThis collaboration perfectly complements the flagship Feed Salone agenda of President Julius Maada Bio. As Minister, my number one strategic pillar is Youth in Agriculture. This partnership will give thousands of young people the tools and opportunities to thrive in agribusiness,โ€ he affirmed.
Mr Lyndon B. Johnson, the Country Director of Comfepresitalia reiterated the importance of keeping our young folks engaged in nation building and double down on the call from the minister to map out a new way forward and to constantly find avenues where our young men and women can freely express themselves.
The collaboration promises to revitalize the agriculture sector through youth engagement, innovation, and strategic investment, particularly in high-value crops like cacao, transforming agriculture into a vibrant engine of growth and job creation for Sierra Leoneโ€™s youth.
Together, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Italian Consulate are cultivating a future where young people lead the charge toward food security and national prosperity.

โ€ผ๏ธFLASH NEWSโ—FLASH NEWSโ€ผ๏ธ๐€๐Œ๐ˆ ๐‡๐จ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ฅโ€™๐ฌ ๐’๐ž๐œ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐…๐š๐ข๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ž ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐š๐ญ ๐‘๐ข๐ฌ๐คOn Thursday, April 10th, a patient schedul...
13/05/2025

โ€ผ๏ธFLASH NEWSโ—FLASH NEWSโ€ผ๏ธ

๐€๐Œ๐ˆ ๐‡๐จ๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ฅโ€™๐ฌ ๐’๐ž๐œ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐…๐š๐ข๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ž ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐š๐ญ ๐‘๐ข๐ฌ๐ค

On Thursday, April 10th, a patient scheduled for discharge had her brand new iPhone 15 Pro Max stolen under suspicious circumstances.

The theft occurred when a man posing as a cleaner entered the patientโ€™s room,

The man had no formal identification or clearance but was still granted access, raising serious concerns about patient safety.

When the patient returned from the restroom, her phone was missing.

The incident has spotlighted lax monitoring of unauthorized individuals.

A review of CCTV footage by the Hospital Country Manager confirmed the manโ€™s presence in the room.

It's unclear how the suspect bypassed both staff and security guards on duty.

This incident has sparked wider concerns about patient safety and privacy at the reputable AMI Hospital.

ยฉ๏ธ ~HERITAGE NEWSPAPER~

President Bio Urges Sierra Leone's Youth to Lead Change at Salone Civic Festival LaunchBy: Ibrahim J. ContehIn a stirrin...
13/12/2024

President Bio Urges Sierra Leone's Youth to Lead Change at Salone Civic Festival Launch

By: Ibrahim J. Conteh

In a stirring address at the formal inaugural launch of the Salone Civic Festival, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio urged the youth of Sierra Leone to take up the mantle of leadership and contribute positively to their communities. The event, held at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown on Wednesday 10, 2024, marks an important step in the country's ongoing efforts to promote national unity, civic responsibility, and sustainable development.

The Salone Civic Festival is a Pioneering initiative of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, aimed at inspiring shared responsibility and strengthening the social fabric of Sierra Leone. The event brings together diverse sectors of society and governance to collaborate in shaping a prosperous future.

In his opening statement, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah outlined the key objectives of the festival, emphasizing its focus on national unity, social responsibility, and sustainable development. He stressed the need to promote love for Sierra Leone, enhance food security, heal societal divisions, and embrace environmental stewardship. The theme of the festival, "Sierra Leone Is Bigger Than All of Us," underscores the collective responsibility of all citizens to work together for the nationโ€™s greater good.

Minister Bah also praised President Bio for his visionary leadership in establishing the Ministry of Civic Educationโ€”the first of its kind in Africaโ€”positioning Sierra Leone as a continental leader in promoting civic values. Drawing from history, he quoted a profound observation: โ€œIt is in the minds of men that war is crafted, and it is in our minds that we create peace.โ€ This, he noted, speaks to the power of education and mindset in fostering national reconciliation and progress.

Dr. Stefanie Brinkel, the Country Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, expressed her support for the Ministry of Information and Civic Educationโ€™s efforts in creating a platform to raise civic awareness. She underscored the importance of civic education as more than just an academic pursuit, describing it as the bedrock of a functioning democracy. Dr. Brinkel reaffirmed the Foundationโ€™s commitment to fostering leadership, social responsibility, and community engagement throughout Sierra Leone.

In his keynote speech, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio emphasized the importance of civic education as the foundation of Sierra Leoneโ€™s national identity and collective aspirations. He reflected on how, shortly after taking office, he introduced the initiative to address the countryโ€™s drift from core values and to instill a renewed sense of purpose and belonging among its citizens.
He quoted former U.S. President John F. Kennedyโ€™s iconic words from his 1961 inaugural address: โ€œAsk not what your country can do for you โ€“ ask what you can do for your country.โ€

President Bio challenged the nationโ€™s youth to lead by example, urging them to become ambassadors of positive change and actively participate in transforming their communities. He emphasized that the success of the country lies in the hands of its young people and their willingness to take responsibility for shaping the future.

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio visited the Youyi Building Lawn to explore exhibitions from government agencies and the private sector.
The event featured panel discussions focused on fostering national unity and revitalizing the public service.
The event concluded with a commitment to continued dialogue, public service reform, and national cohesion.
Other speakers who presented goodwill messages were the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, a representative from the UNDP Country Representative.

The launch of the Salone Civic Festival represents a significant step forward in redefining Sierra Leoneโ€™s national identity and values. Through this initiative, President Bio has called on the youth to step into leadership roles, empowering them to drive change in their communities.

The event also highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the need for every Sierra Leonean to contribute to building a united, sustainable, and prosperous nation.

Grab a copy of Today's Edition of the Heritage Newspaper
06/12/2024

Grab a copy of Today's Edition of the Heritage Newspaper

Be on the known, grab a copy of today's edition of the Heritage Newspaper.
05/12/2024

Be on the known, grab a copy of today's edition of the Heritage Newspaper.

www.heritagenewspapersl.com Immediate Response and Safe Evacuation of Passengers from Grounded MV Bai Bureh FerryFreetow...
20/07/2024

www.heritagenewspapersl.com

Immediate Response and Safe Evacuation of Passengers from Grounded MV Bai Bureh Ferry

Freetown, Sierra Leone โ€“ On July 19, 2024 at approximately 15:00 HRs, the Safety Department of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) received a distress alert regarding the grounding of the MV Bai Bureh on a sandbank during its 14:30 HRs voyage to Government Wharf.

Upon receiving the alert, the Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded swiftly by dispatching a SAR vessel to the scene. Coordination efforts were also established with relevant stakeholders, including the company that operates the ferry.

As of now, all passengers have been safely evacuated back to the Targrin ferry terminal. The MV Bai Bureh remains aground and is expected to regain buoyancy with the next high tide.

The SAR team is currently on standby, closely monitoring the situation of the MV Bai Bureh. A preliminary investigation will be conducted by the Safety Department to determine the cause of the incident.

For further information, please contact:
Public Relations Department
Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +232 78 54 01 02

Parliament Endorses Paul Sobba Massaquoi as Ambassador to South KoreaBy: Ibrahim J Conteh Paul Sobba Massaquoi has been ...
17/07/2024

Parliament Endorses Paul Sobba Massaquoi as Ambassador to South Korea

By: Ibrahim J Conteh

Paul Sobba Massaquoi has been overwhelmingly appraised and approved by members of the Sierra Leone Parliament to serve as the country's Ambassador to South Korea. Prior to this appointment, Massaquoi was the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) and the Experts Committee Chairman of the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana.

His tenure at SLMA is noted for unprecedented growth and reforms, including the domestication of international treaties aimed at improving the country's maritime sector and harnessing its blue economy for sustainable development.

Hon. Wuyatta Bernadette Songa of Kailahun District described Paul Massaquoi as a diplomat per excellence, noting that his appointment comes at a time when both nations are seeking to deepen bilateral relations. She encouraged him to build on the gains already established by President Bio, highlighting his exceptional skills in fostering partnerships as a valuable asset in his new role.

Hon. Mustapha Musa Sellu of Moyamba District commended Paul Massaquoi as a forward-thinking individual and expressed confidence that he will make Sierra Leone proud as its representative.

Hon. Bashiru Silikie, the Deputy Leader of Government Business, highlighted Massaquoi's proven track record of delivering results, referencing his tenure at SLMA where he significantly improved the maritime sector.

Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, the Leader of Government Business, reiterated Paul Massaquoi's commitment to progress and praised his courage in implementing reforms during challenging times at SLMA.

In his congratulatory message, the Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, admonished the Presidential appointees to be agents of change and to resist corruption. He urged them to act with integrity for the benefit of God and conscience.

ยฉ๏ธ Heritage Newspaper

Amb. Fanday Turay Presides Over Graduation Ceremony as Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University in GhanaBy Ibrahim...
01/07/2024

Amb. Fanday Turay Presides Over Graduation Ceremony as Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University in Ghana

By Ibrahim J Conteh

Accra, Ghana โ€“ June 30, 2024

Sierra Leone's Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Fanday Turay, presided over his first graduation ceremony since assuming the role of Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Ghana on June 25th 2024.

The ceremony, attended by esteemed personalities includes the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, distinguished guests from member states, graduates, parents, and faculty, highlighted the university's commitment to excellence and regional collaboration.

In a speech marked by calls for unity and progress, Ambassador Turay emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in driving the university's growth and success. "We should champion this course through our various contributions, both statutory and voluntary. This is a great opportunity for the unification that our great continent yearns for," he stated, expressing his appreciation for the continued support from member states.

The new Chancellor commended the significant infrastructure developments at RMU, including the construction of a state-of-the-art administration building equipped with meeting rooms, offices, and a canteen. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of the Ghanaian Ministry of Transport and its minister, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, for their dedication to completing these projects.

He expressed his hope that the university would soon be able to hold such ceremonies in its auditorium complex, reflecting the ongoing improvements in infrastructure supported by the member states. Chancellor Turay lauded the RMU management for their tireless work in providing excellent training for students across various fields of study.

Addressing the graduates, Chancellor Fanday Turay congratulated them on their achievements and urged them to prepare for the challenges ahead. "You are going to compete with graduates from other universities, but the RMU has equipped you with everything you need to succeed and become entrepreneurs," he advised, quoting Alexander the Great: "Nothing is impossible to those who will try."

He encouraged the graduates to become ambassadors of change, leveraging their training and discipline to achieve success. "Discipline and hard work will take you to the highest point of success," he emphasized, urging them to make their parents, RMU, and their respective member states proud.

He also thanked parents, sponsors, and institutions for their investment in the students' education, noting that their contributions would soon be realized as the graduates apply their knowledge in various capacities worldwide. He encouraged the new alumni to give back to RMU and continue to uphold the university's high standards.

Ambassador Turay expressing his strong confidence in the training provided by RMU and his optimism for the graduates' future endeavors. "Let this be the beginning of your ambitions. Excel in your chosen careers and make yourselves, your parents, and RMU proud," he concluded.

This graduation ceremony marks a historic significant for thee countryโ€™s Minister of Transport and Aviation, who has taken the mantle of leadership of the Regional Maritime University for the next two years . His address reflects a vision of unity, progress and excellence, promising a bright and hopeful future for the university and its students.

First Laddy Dr. Fatima Maada Bio Recognized for Humanitarian Efforts with Honorary Degree at Regional Maritime Universit...
29/06/2024

First Laddy Dr. Fatima Maada Bio Recognized for Humanitarian Efforts with Honorary Degree at Regional Maritime University.

By: Ibrahim John Conteh

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa degree during the 18th Graduation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University (RMU). The ceremony, held in Accra, Ghana, marked another significant milestone for the institution known for its contributions to the maritime industry in Africa.

The citation recognized Her Excellency multifaceted contributions as an actress, screenwriter, film producer, and prominent gender advocate. Since assuming her role, she has actively promoted democracy, rule of law, social justice, and economic development in Sierra Leone. Her initiatives, including free sanitary pads for schoolgirls and pro-poor policies, have significantly impacted education and welfare across the nation. Her leadership and advocacy efforts, both locally and internationally, particularly in women and girlโ€™s empowerment, earned her accolades such as the Warrior Award and recognition from the African Union. The award reflects her exceptional dedication to national development and her role as a distinguished gender advocate and role model.

In her address, Her Excellency began by extending warm greetings from His Excellency the President and the people of Sierra Leone to the staff and students of RMU. She expressed her deep honor in speaking at such a prestigious event and congratulated Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay on his new role as Chancellor and Board Chair of RMU for the next two years. Grateful for the special recognition of her work in uplifting humanity, she emphasized the importance of addressing critical issues to bring about societal transformation. She highlighted her dedication to work and growth, noting that true transformation is achieved through changing attitudes and actions. This, she believes, is essential to improving the lives of the less privileged and vulnerable sectors in Africa.

Her Excellency highlighted her international advocacy for survivors of r**e, the fight against cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation, the distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls, and the enactment of laws prohibiting child marriage and promoting gender empowerment. She passionately argued that women deserve better treatment and opportunities, and their lives and futures must be improved.

Acknowledging the challenges women face, including gender stereotypes, discrimination, and exclusion from leadership roles, she called for enforceable laws and policies to punish discrimination. She urged governments, businesses, professional associations, and stakeholders to act decisively for the inclusion of women and their meaningful participation in the workforce. She pointed out that equitable representation of women in the maritime industry is not an unreasonable demand, given that women make up half of Africa's population. She encouraged continuous efforts towards a dynamic and diverse maritime industry in Africa.

Her Excellency assured RMU's management of her commitment to serve as an ambassador and patron of the university, promising to support and be available whenever called upon.
Addressing the graduates, Her Excellency reminded them of the challenges they will face in the corporate world and urged them to use their acquired skills to create job opportunities.

She expressed confidence in their training and abilities, quoting motivational words: "You may have been told often that you are born to win; indeed, you are born to win, but to win, you must prepare to win, plan to win, and work hard before you can expect to win."

She encouraged them to see their certificates as tools to achieve their aspirations and become game-changers in society. Citing Nelson Mandela, she said, "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived, but the difference we have made in the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we have lived."

The First Lady congratulated the graduates for their sacrifices and achievements, and commended the Board of Governors, management, staff, and students of RMU for making the university a center of maritime education in Africa.

Amb. Fanday Turay Assumes RMU Leadership with a Vision for Excellence and Innovation By: Ibrahim John ContehThe 31st ses...
28/06/2024

Amb. Fanday Turay Assumes RMU Leadership with a Vision for Excellence and Innovation

By: Ibrahim John Conteh

The 31st session of the Board of Governors meeting (BOG) of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) held on the 28th June 28, 2024 at University Campus in Accra Ghana marked a significant moment for the institution as Sierra Leone assumed leadership. Honourable Amb. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., Sierra Leone's Minister of Transport and Aviation, who has been elected Board Chairman and Chancellor, delivered a powerful speech outlining his vision to elevate the institution to new heights for the next two years.

Hon. Amb. Alhaji Fanday Turay expressed his enthusiasm for attending the meeting for the second time, reflecting on his previous experience at the 30th session hosted in The Gambia. He extended his gratitude to the outgoing Board Chairman, Ebrima Sillah, the Gambian Minister of Transport, for his exemplary work and emphasized his intent to collaborate with his predecessor, leveraging his vast experience for guidance and advice.

The Board Chairman assured attendees of his commitment to continuing his predecessor's efforts, aiming to position RMU as a world-class maritime institution. He stressed the importance of the meeting as a platform for evaluating the university's progress and providing strategic direction for its smooth operation. Commending the staff and management for their dedication to maintaining academic excellence, he highlighted Sierra Leone's full financial contribution as a demonstration of commitment, urging other member states to follow suit.

Focusing on future goals, Ambassador Turay outlined his vision for the institution, emphasizing the enhancement of academic excellence through rigorous, innovative curricula aligned with current maritime trends. He underscored the necessity of strengthening industry partnerships to provide practical experience for students and align programs with labor market demands. Additionally, he pledged to support diversity and inclusion, invest in state-of-the-art learning equipment and infrastructure, and upgrade campuses to ensure students have access to essential resources. He called for collective support from colleagues, emphasizing unity and integration to advance RMU's cause.

Outgoing Board Chairman Ebrima Sillah expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure and urged continued backing for his successor. Highlighting achievements under his leadership, he noted the procurement of seven vehicles and the construction of an ultra-modern administrative building equipped with a meeting room and staff canteen. He encouraged his successor to build on these gains and follow up on pledges made by member states, reiterating his commitment to supporting RMU's progress.

Hon. Frederick Obeng, Ghana's Deputy Minister of Transport, provided a brief history of RMU, tracing its origins back to the Ghana Nautical University College in 1982. He affirmed Ghana's ongoing commitment to RMU, announcing a resumed $146,116,000 loan facility from the Korean Exim Bank for the university's modernization. Deputy Minister Obeng's statement underscored Ghana's dedication to positioning RMU as a world-class maritime training institution.

In his statement, Hon. Counsellor Neto Zarzar Leighe Sr., Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority, revealed Liberia's readiness to host the next Board of Governors meeting. He pledged Liberia's commitment to supporting RMU's programs and policies, emphasizing the importance of increasing the number of Liberian nationals enrolled at the university. Leighe affirmed RMU's vital role in promoting maritime education in the region.

The meeting concluded with the commissioning of an ultra-modern administrative building and seven vehicles, boosting the university's infrastructure and resources. Statements from various speakers shared a clear vision of RMU's leadership, a commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring RMU remains at the forefront of maritime education and training in the region.

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