The Regional Maritime University (RMU) will host the RMU-Laud Okantey Blue Economy Public Lecture Series on October 15, 2025, in Accra.
The memorial lecture would be held in honour of the late renowned maritime professional and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tilbury Environmental Ghana Limited, Mr Laud Okantey, who was originally scheduled to serve as Chief Patron of the event before his passing.
The lecture series, themed “The Blue Economy: How Can Ghana Benefit for National Development and Job Creation within the Context of a 24-Hour Economy”, would feature distinguished experts from academia, industry and government.
The series is also aimed at creating a flagship annual event that fosters awareness, engagement, and knowledge sharing around the Blue Economy with specific objectives such as promoting awareness, knowledge exchange, policy advocacy, student engagement and institutional visibility.It would feature panel discussions, recognition as well as networking sessions.
The Keynote Speaker for the event would be the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, with other notable speakers including the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing and Founder and Executive Coordinator of Transitional Co-operation for Sustainable African Ports, Dr Harry Barnes-Dabban.
Speaking ahead of the event, Head of Research and Innovation at RMU, Dr Robert Nyemah, the blue economy which emphasised the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and ocean ecosystem health, was rapidly emerging as a key development strategy for coastal and maritime nations.
“In line with Ghana’s Blue Economy Strategy and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, there is an increasing need for platforms that support critical discourse, public education, innovation and stakeholder engagement in this field,” Dr Nyemah said.
He noted that RMU, as a leading maritime training and research institution in West and Central Africa, was well-positioned to lead this conversation and help foster innovation, strategic partnerships and a deeper public understanding of sustainable ocean-based development.
“After this lecture series, we anticipate increased public understanding of the blue economy, strengthened linkages between RMU and industry, government and development partners, as well as greater student and faculty involvement in research and advocacy for marine sustainability,” he added.
He urged the government to invest in marine waste management infrastructure and encouraged the private sector to support academic institutions in advancing research and development in the blue economy.
“This series should not be seen as just another talk show. It is a strategic step toward a more sustainable future, one where the blue economy drives national growth and prosperity,” he emphasised.
“The event will serve as a pivotal moment, one where stakeholders deepen their understanding and commit to sustainable practices for the benefit of future generations,” he stated.
Dr Nyemah also called on stakeholders especially shipping companies and port authorities to act as catalysts for change as spearheaded by Mr Laud Okantey prior to his demise.
Mr Laud Okantey was an accomplished Ghanaian business executive and maritime industry leader with over two decades of extensive experience in corporate leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and sustainable development initiatives. He was widely recognised for his visionary approach, pragmatic leadership and commitment to innovation, particularly in the fields of environmental management, logistics and the blue economy.
Mr Okantey served as the Managing Director of Tilbury Environmental Ghana Limited from 2008 until his passing, where he spearheaded the company’s transformation into a leading player in maritime environmental services. Prior to that, he held the role of Financial Director at Tilbury, overseeing strategic financial operations and helping to establish a solid fiscal foundation for growth.
Over his career, he held senior roles in multiple sectors from construction and logistics to trading and marketing including leadership positions at Laud Transport Services, Laud Trade and Investment, Omega Star Construction, and Meridian Gold Coast Trading Company. He was also involved in the professional services and auditing space through his longstanding affiliation with Alex Thompson & Associates.
Mr Okantey was known for his strong leadership and communication skills, proven track record of profitable business growth, exceptional financial and operational oversight,deep understanding of complex supply chains, forward-thinking marketing strategies and passion for sustainability and ocean health.
In addition to his executive roles, he was a Board Member of Menergy International (Ghana) Limited and Star Royal Complex School, where he contributed to governance, policy development and strategic planning.
A passionate advocate of marine sustainability, Mr Okantey attended international conferences including the Greenport Conference, Africa Ports and Harbours Show, and the MARPOL Convention, where he remained actively engaged in industry discourse around maritime safety, waste management and ocean conservation.
Mr Okantey was scheduled to serve as the Chief Patron of the inaugural RMU-Laud Okantey Blue Economy Public Lecture Series, a testament to his enduring commitment to the sustainable development of Ghana’s maritime sector.
Though he passed before the event could take place, the lecture series would stand as a tribute to his legacy, one rooted in innovation, environmental stewardship and youth empowerment.
Speaking in an interview prior to his demise, Mr Okantey said “our efforts directly contribute to keeping our marine environment clean and safe and theme of the upcoming event aligns perfectly with our mission, ensuring safe marine waters and ecosystems that would translate to a healthier economy, as we work closely with shipping lines who cooperatively allow our team to board and collect waste from their vessels upon arrival at the Tema Port, ensuring compliance with all relevant international regulations, particularly the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL),” he stated.
“When waters are polluted, the risk of disease increases, placing a burden on public health systems. On the other hand, a healthy marine environment fosters the growth of the blue economy, which continues to generate revenue, especially by minimizing health-related expenditures linked to waterborne illnesses,” he added.
“Our hope is that this upcoming event, will serve as a turning point, one where stakeholders gain deeper understanding and commit to doing things the right way,” he mentioned.
“This public lecture series should not be seen as just another talk show. It is a strategic step toward a brighter, more sustainable future, one where the blue economy is a significant driver of national growth and prosperity,” he stressed.
