Transport Minister Gets New Appointment
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rtd. Col. Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq, became the Chairperson of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra, Ghana on June 25, 2024. Ambassador Turay officially assumed this role during the 31st session of the RMU Board of Governors’ meeting, succeeding Hon. Ebrima Sillah of The Gambia. He will hold this position for the next two years.
In his acceptance speech, delivered by Sama Ansu Gamanga, the Deputy Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), he acknowledged the absence of his boss due to prior commitments and highlighted Sierra Leone’s historical contributions to the university. Gamanga assured the Board of Ambassador Turay’s commitment to enhancing the university’s growth through collaboration among member states. He emphasized Ambassador Turay’s dedication to steering the RMU towards new achievements, particularly in addressing global challenges such as maritime safety, the demand for seafarer training, and the complexities of global maritime trade. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to navigate these challenges effectively under Ambassador Turay’s leadership.
The RMU Chairmanship rotates alphabetically among its founding member countries—The Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cameroon—with each country serving a two-year term to ensure equitable representation and leadership opportunities. The meeting was attended by officials from RMU member states and distinguished personalities from regional countries. It provided a platform for the Board to review the university’s recent activities and consider programs and projects for further improvement.
The Regional Maritime University, with its mission to provide quality maritime education and training, continues to be a vital institution in West Africa. With Sierra Leone at the helm, the university is poised to enhance its contributions to the maritime sector, fostering innovation and excellence. As Sierra Leone takes on this leadership role, it underscores the nation’s commitment to maritime advancement and regional cooperation under the astute leadership of Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration. The next two years promise to be a period of growth and development for the RMU, guided by the steadfast leadership of Ambassador Turay and the collaborative efforts of all member states.
