The West Africa School of Shipping has celebrated the first-year anniversary of its establishment, while also holding a graduation ceremony for thirty-three (33) students who undertook various shipping-related courses with the school.
The school is situated in Tema, Ghana, and is a recognised partner of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) London, offering various academic and training programmes to aspiring maritime professionals.
Twenty-eight students successfully completed courses in Understanding Shipping and Port Agency; three students successfully completed the ICS Foundation Diploma; while two persons passed the Advance Diploma and Professional Qualifying examination respectively.
The Executive Director-West Africa School of Shipping, Gertrude Adwoa Ohene Asienim (FICS), emphasised why continuous professional development is necessary for maritime professionals.
“Understanding shipping is recommended for everyone working in shipping. Today’s shipping world is constantly changing and evolving, and therefore continuous professional development is necessary for all to stay abreast with modern trends,” she said.
Furthermore: “Every accountant aspires to charter in accountancy, and so should we in shipping aspire to get a professional qualification in addition to our degrees and diplomas,” she admonished.
On behalf of Chief Executive Officer-Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Benonita Bismarck, Head of Public Relations-Shippers’ Authority, Bernice Natue, expressed admiration for increased women participation in the maritime industry – spurring them on to achieve more.
“It is very encouraging and motivating to learn that we are not doing just anything, but are seeking to build professionals who can match the world standards and can fit in anywhere,” she averred.
Veteran Maritime Consultant and Legal Practitioner, Dr. Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah, admonished the various graduates to apply what they have learnt in their various professional fields.
“The education, the training is indeed an anchor; and it is therefore very gratifying to note that this morning we have a few of you who have gone through the process to build your anchor. You cannot build your anchor and leave it there; it should be a process that continues, and therefore the continuing training is important for all of us,” he said.
