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RMU holds matriculation for 22nd, 10th intakes

Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe [fifth from right] with the management Staff of RMU and the Students Photo Okai Eizabeth
Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe [fifth from right] with the management Staff of RMU and the Students Photo Okai Eizabeth

The Regional Maritime University (RMU) held its 22nd and 10th matriculation ceremony for August 2024 and January 2025 intake in Accra on Friday at the University’s Parade grounds.

Overall, 1,220 postgraduate and undergraduate students from both member and non-member countries applied.

Speaking at the Matriculation ceremony, the Ag. Vice Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University, Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jnr welcomed the students and urged them to eschew from all forms of indiscipline.

“As you begin your journey in the maritime industry, remember that you have the power to shape the future; therefore be bold, be innovative and committed to excellence” he stressed.

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“RMU continues to pride itself as a globally branded university for education, research and consultancy in maritime and allied fields and strives to become the best institution in Africa,” he explained.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor said admission of females into the sea-faring programmes of Nautical Science and Marine Engineering has increased from 35 last year to 96 this academic year.

“This means that the University’s drive of encouraging more females to take up sea-going programmes is achieving good results,” he said.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor called on government to assist the school with its needs such as school health care and maintenance of the school.

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He said the university would continue to collaborate with industry to ensure that students gained the exposure and opportunity to be gainfully employed after graduation.

Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jnr stated that the institution continues to prepare the youth for the job market because they are exposed to many opportunities for growth, exploration and innovation.

Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, Minister for Transport, stated that government intends to commission a feasibility study for the development of a coastal water transport system along the coast of Ghana to compliment other modes and integrate sea passenger transport and land-based transport.

According to him, this will support the 24-hour economy policy and develop indigenous businesses in the Maritime and shipping space.

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The minister urged the school to inculcate discipline in the students, because academic excellence alone does not guarantee success.

A speech, read on behalf of the matriculants, pledged to abide by the rules and regulation of the school in order to come out with flying colours.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie

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 Avonsige: The intersection of fashion and culture

As I speak to Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina, the visionary CEO and Creative Director of AVONSIGE, she passionately shares her journey with me.

Her voice carries both confidence and warmth, mirroring the essence of her designs yet deeply rooted in culture.

“Fashion for me, is more than just clothing,” she told me. “It is a language, a way of express­ing identity, and a bridge that connects our past, present, and future. Every piece I create tells a story, and that story begins with Ghana.”

Her love affair with fashion began as a teen­ager when she was captivated by an avant-garde show that left an indelible mark on her creative spirit.

“I knew then that I wanted to design unforget­table pieces of garments that leave an impact long after they are worn,” she added.

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Encouraged by her supportive parents, she pursued visual arts and textiles, laying the foundation for AVONSIGE, a brand that has since become synonymous with elegance, cultural appreciation, and innovation.

She explains that, AVONSIGE is not just about garments, but rather a gate­way into Ghanaian culture, with a signature aesthetic that merges pristine whites with rich in­digenous textiles.

Again, she said that people have to see Ghanaian smock and kente, fabric and wear them with pride, knowing that each weave carries centuries of history.

She beams as she described her mission of creating a safe space to un­derstand and appreciate the Ghanaian lifestyle and traditions as the country celebrate Ghanaian heritage month.

Fashion should be a conversation starter, a way to carry our history with us. When you wear AVONSIGE, you are not just wearing fabric; you are wearing the soul of Ghana.”

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She paused, then added, “To know our attire is to know our worth.”

Avonsige takes immense pride in sourcing authentic fabrics from the Upper East Region of Ghana. “Our styles and textiles are deeply rooted in the craftsmanship of northern Ghana,” she told me. “From the intricate handwoven smocks to the vibrant kente, each fabric carries the legacy of our ancestors, and we ensure that authenticity is preserved in every piece,” she indicated.

Avonsige’s passion for sto­rytelling is evident in every project she undertakes. “I wanted to push beyond the runway,” she said, eyes alight with excitement.

Her commitment to preserv­ing Ghanaian narratives through fashion is unwavering. “Every stitch, every pattern has meaning,” she noted. “That’s the beauty of our craft – it is a living, breathing testament to who we are.”

Beyond luxury and aesthetics, AVONSIGE is deeply rooted in philanthropy. “Fashion should not only inspire but also uplift,” she tells me. Through her annual initiative, AVONSIGE Runway for a Cause, she recreated original designs into Christmas outfits for orphans and underprivileged children in northern Ghana.

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“This is some­thing very close to my heart,” she said with a softening voice. “It is my way of giving back, of ensuring that every child feels valued and beautiful.”

As our conversa­tion draws to a close, Avonsige leaves me with a profound thought: “Fashion is not just about what we wear – it is about the stories we carry, the heritage we embrace, and the future we envision.”

Through her passion, creativity, and unwaver­ing dedication, Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina has turned AVONSIGE into more than just a brand. It is a movement, a celebration of culture, ele­gance, and purpose.

Join her on this extraordinary journey where fashion is more than a trend, it is a lifestyle, a cultural bridge, and a force for change.

 By Geoffrey Buta

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 Who wears the crown? …as 13 contestants mount stage in 2025 Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant tonight

 Thirteen young and vibrant ladies se­lected across the regions of Ghana will vie for the prestigious 2025 Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant crown as the event is held today at the Avenue Event Center in Accra.

Each contestant will rep¬resent their respective re­gions as they compete for the prestigious crown.

The contestants have gone through the weekly tasks ahead of the highly anticipated grand finale.

According to the organ­isers, this year’s winner will not only represent Ghana on the global stage at Miss World but also lead charita­ble initiatives under the Miss Ghana Foun­dation, focusing on support¬ing vulnerable com­munities.

Below are briefs about the contes­tants.

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Deborah Fidelia Naa Ayeley, is a 25- year old Christian and hails from the Greater Accra Region. She loves watching movies, reading, listening to music and volunteering.

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Priscilla Ayeley Kwablah 23, is a Christian
who loves reading and listening to
music representing the Western North
Region of Ghana.
She believes every lady should be
determined and have the zeal to attain
every height in life.

Thelma is a 22-year old spoken word artist
and a student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
She hails from the Upper West Region of Ghana.
Her hobbies are reading and writing and
listening to good music.
The Miss Ghana project has always been a
dream she harboured since she was a little
girl but growing up, she realised it is not
just about the crown, the glitter and the
sash.
She now sees the crown as a symbol of
change in the lives of not only the ladies
participating but also a change in the lives
of the marginalised group of people in the
country.

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Theresa Weyerane Adiali, 28, is a journalist with the Media Foundation for West Africa as an Investigative Journalism Fellow with a background in communication, and a passion for impactful storytelling.
Theresa has been a force in driving change for the marginalised communities
through humanitarian work with
UNICEF Ghana, and as a radio and TV news broadcaster.
Theresa envisions Miss Ghana as a platform to empower rural women and children in climate displaced communities in Ghana.

Jutta Ama Pokuah Addo is a 20-yearold
Christian from the Central Region
who loves golf and painting.
She is a dual student at the University
of Professional Studies, Accra and Wisconsin International University.
She sees herself as a young woman
with a bold spirit with a bright future
ahead of her.

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