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IBEC-2025: RMU Ag. VC calls for innovative, inclusive strategies to accelerate Blue Economy growth
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., has called for broader engagement among stakeholders within the sub-region to fully harness the potential of the blue economy.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the second International Blue Economy Conference (IBEC-2025) currently underway in the Republic of The Gambia, he emphasised the need for industry players to be innovative and collaborate effectively to capitalise on opportunities within the ocean.
The three-day conference, which began on Wednesday, February 19, and is scheduled to conclude today, Friday, February 21, has brought together over 200 international stakeholders to exchange ideas on promoting the blue economy and fostering development across the continent by tapping into industry prospects.
The conference is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure of The Gambia, in collaboration with RMU in Accra and the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute (DMI) in Tanzania.
Under the theme “Harnessing the Blue Economy: Leveraging for Innovative and Sustainable Development,” the conference has attracted high-profile delegates from the host country, The Gambia, as well as participants from Tanzania, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana and other nations.
Among the dignitaries present were the Vice President of The Gambia, Muhammad B.S. Jallow, who officially opened the three-day event, the Gambian Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ebrima Sillah, as well as several other Ministers of State.
In his remarks, the Ag. Vice Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Brooks Jr., stated that the blue economy focuses on leveraging oceanic resources to drive economic development while maintaining environmental sustainability.
“Our vision to utilise ocean resources for economic development in the sub-region can only be realized through innovation, collaboration and a commitment to sustainability,” he said.
While emphasising the importance of development through the blue economy, he also stressed the need for environmental sustainability.
“We must ensure that our development does not come at the expense of the environment. Therefore, we need to engage in practices that protect our water bodies, climate and the entire environment for future generations,” he added.
Dr. Brooks highlighted the critical role that RMU and other educational institutions must play in research and training for a sustainable future.
He also emphasised the importance of leveraging technology and innovation while prioritising the wellbeing of the ocean.
“A strong blue economy must ensure conservation, equity and inclusivity. It is vital to adopt a long-term approach that ensures the blue economy we develop today leaves a lasting legacy for tomorrow,” he stated.
“Let us come together to harness the potential of the blue economy for the benefit of the ocean, the people, and the climate,” he urged.
Dr. Brooks commended the organisers and sponsors for their efforts and expressed optimism for a brighter future with a focus on the blue economy.
Key presentations at the conference included topics such as the Blue Justice Approach to Blue Economy Policy Development and Implementation to Safeguard Small-Scale Fishers in Africa, Digital Transformation of the Blue Economy, Food Safety Concerns: A Priority in the Blue Economy, Aquaculture Innovation: Sustainable Practices for the Future of Seafood and Livelihoods, and Ocean Governance: Policy for Sustainable Blue Economy Development.
Additional topics included Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Legal Instruments of Climate Change on Marine Environments and Coastal Communities, Ensuring Marine Safety and Security, and Sustainable Fisheries Management.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it has successfully conducted constituency executive elections in 245 out of its 276 constituencies across the country.
The party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said the exercise recorded an 88.7 per cent success rate and was conducted peacefully in the constituencies where voting took place.
In an update posted on his Facebook page, he said elections in 23 constituencies were put on hold because of various disputes.
He added that four constituencies Ningo Prampram, Atwima Mponua, Obuasi West and Trobu could not hold their elections due to last minute challenges.
According to him, the party’s National Steering Committee will also review election activities in Afigya Sekyere East, Adansi Asokwa, Bantama and Asante Akyem Central.
Mr Frimpong said the National Secretariat is committed to resolving all outstanding issues to ensure the successful completion of the constituency executive elections.
He expressed appreciation to members of the party for their support and discipline throughout the exercise.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to all Patriots for their commitment, discipline, and support, which contributed to the successful conduct of these elections,” he stated.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested two Nigerian nationals in connection with the murder of a 36-year-old Nigerian man at Sanzirigu in Tamale.
The suspects, identified as Daniel Victor Eze and David Oko Ewa, were arrested on Saturday, July 11, shortly after the body of Nkemujika Uzorchuku Eze was found in his bedroom.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations showed that the deceased lived in a three-bedroom apartment with his wife, Peace Uzorchuku, the two suspects and another Nigerian national, Godwin Nwafor.
The Police said officers began investigations after receiving a report that the deceased had been found lying in a pool of blood in his room.
A team that visited the scene found that he had suffered a deep cut to the forehead and had a towel stuffed into his mouth. The room had also been ransacked.
The Police said a wooden pestle believed to have been used in the attack, together with other items, was recovered from the scene for forensic examination.
The body was taken to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where a medical officer confirmed him dead before it was deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.
According to the Police, intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of the two suspects at Tatale on the same day while they were allegedly attempting to escape into the Republic of Togo.
They were later handed over to the Tamale District Criminal Investigations Department to assist with investigations.
The Police said the suspects allegedly admitted during interrogation that they had conspired to kill the deceased because he had been withholding money they claimed was obtained through internet fraud.
A search conducted after their arrest led to the recovery of several items suspected to have been stolen from the deceased’s room, including mobile phones, laptop computers, a tablet, jewellery, clothing, wristwatches, personal documents and other valuables. The Police said the items have been kept as exhibits to support the investigations.
The suspects remain in Police custody and are expected to appear before court on Monday, July 13, to facilitate the ongoing investigations.
The Northern Regional Police Command said it remains committed to bringing everyone involved in the crime to justice and urged the public to provide credible information to help fight crime.
By: Jacob Aggrey
