The West Africa Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), has ended its 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) which also marked the formal launch of its 10thanniversary celebration
Held on the theme “Standardisation Shipping Practices, the role of Education and Training”, the AGM was attended by fellows, members and student members from Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Gabon and Ghana.
The immediate past Chairperson of the Branch, Gertrude Adwoa Ohene-Asienim, said the theme was carefully chosen to be in line with the objective of promoting professionalism in Shipping.
“To this end, what we sought to achieve was to foster closer collaboration between ICS, governmental agencies, and the Shipping community. We managed to get bigger platforms to provide education and training support to Institutions and companies mainly on voluntary services.
We have forged closer collaboration between ICS and the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), the National Insurance Commission (NIC), Ghana Maritime Authority and the Regional Maritime University”, she explained.
She said the Branch is poised to roll out the Understanding Shipping Course which will be mainly online to make our courses accessible to workers and students who want to understand shipping better to enroll.
“We have submitted the draft of chapter 9 to head office and have received feedback on it. We will work hard to finish the chapter and get the course rolled out by January 2021,” she said.
The successful rollout of this course will change the face of shipping knowledge in West Africa with practical examples from the region that will give better understanding of shipping to players within the industry.
“ICS embarked on ambitious projects also in connection with the effort to bring shipping closer to our community. We are seriously raising funds for the Maritime Library project to be built at the Regional Maritime University. The architectural design for the project is ready and we would like to thank the head office in London, the Education Trust Fund and all companies who have donated locally for their support, she said.
The Special Guest of honour, Ms Susan Oatway noted that the role of education and training in this network is paramount as being able to teach the future leaders of the industry remained an honour and a privilege.
“The Institute is delighted to have such an effective branch in West Africa, with established headquarters in Ghana and an active chapter in Nigeria, supporting members and students throughout the region. It serves an important purpose as a force for professional standards, working closely with government, and has formed strong bonds with institutions including the Regional Maritime University”, she said.
The newly-elected Chairperson for the West Africa Branch, Mr. Frank Tony Eshun reiterated the fact that education and training of indigenous West Africans will be the enabler to play the expected role within the maritime industry.
“We will build on the solid foundation laid by the previous administrations to ensure that the added advantage of having an informed and trained local personnel is realized”, he said.
Mr Tami Adu from Nigeria was elected as Vice Chairman for the Branch.
*Graphics Online
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