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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.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
