By Rebecca Ampah
The Regional Maritime University has held its ninth graduation ceremony for forklift and mobile crane operators, graduating a total of 43 trainees under the theme Accelerating Africa’s economy with an improved logistics industry.
The ceremony, held on December 22, 2025, produced 17 forklift operators and 26 mobile crane operators, reinforcing the university’s role in strengthening Ghana’s logistics and industrial workforce.
At the event, Rebecca Ahiafianyo emerged as the Best Graduating Student and was also adjudged the Best Mobile Crane Student.
Delivering her valedictory address, Ms Ahiafianyo expressed gratitude to the university’s management, faculty, instructors, family and colleagues for their support throughout the programme.
She described the logistics and heavy equipment sector as “the backbone of industry” and stressed that safety must remain a personal commitment for every operator. She encouraged young women to explore opportunities in the heavy equipment industry and not allow stereotypes to limit their ambitions.
Ms Ahiafianyo further highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, noting that the industry continues to evolve with new technologies and safety standards. She concluded by expressing her desire to further upgrade her skills in mobile crane operations and welcomed opportunities for sponsorship and additional training.
Delivering the keynote address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jnr., described the graduation ceremony as both a celebration of achievement and the beginning of greater responsibility.
“Today, we do not merely mark the completion of your training; we celebrate the dawn of your journey as vital contributors to Africa’s economic transformation,” Dr Brooks said.
He underscored the critical role logistics plays in Africa’s development, noting that logistics fuels trade, drives industrialisation, strengthens supply chains and fosters regional integration across the continent.
Dr Brooks explained that the skills acquired by the graduates were not only technical but also strategic to Africa’s growth.
He commended industry partners and stakeholders for supporting the programme and expressed appreciation to SIC Insurance Company Limited for donating two laptop computers to enhance training delivery at the university.
“This investment in technology strengthens our capacity to deliver modern, digitally enhanced instruction,” he said.
Dr Brooks urged the graduands to uphold professionalism, discipline, safety and integrity, reminding them to let excellence define their careers.
The Special Guest of Honour, Mohammed Salifu, congratulated the graduands and reminded them that professionalism and safety must guide their work.
“Completing this programme shows your commitment and discipline. Remember, skill alone is not enough; let safety guide every action you take,” he said.
Mr Salifu raised concerns about challenges facing the local crane industry, including the increasing involvement of foreign operators, stressing that such practices should not displace local professionals.
“We welcome foreign partners to help with nation-building, but not at the cost of rendering indigenes jobless,” he said.
He also spoke about alleged harassment of crane operators and called for fairness, professionalism and respect for the law.
Reaffirming his organisation’s commitment to national development, he said it remained committed to accelerating Africa’s economy and improving the logistics industry through youth employment and partnerships with institutions such as the Regional Maritime University.
