The Regional Maritime University (RMU) will on October 15, 2025, inaugurate the Laud Okantey Blue Economy Public Lecture Series in Accra, a flagship event designed to honour the memory of the late maritime industry leader, Mr. Laud Okantey, while advancing national conversations on the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Mr. Okantey, who passed away earlier this year, was until his demise the Chief Executive Officer of Tilbury Environmental Ghana Limited and had been scheduled to serve as Chief Patron of the inaugural lecture.
A statement issued in Accra described him as an accomplished professional with more than two decades of experience in corporate leadership, environmental management, logistics and financial operations. He was widely recognised for his pragmatic leadership and strong advocacy for marine sustainability, having participated in several international maritime conferences and spearheaded initiatives on ocean conservation and waste management.
Champion of Maritime Sustainability
Throughout his career, Mr. Okantey held senior positions in logistics, construction, trading and finance, and was instrumental in transforming Tilbury Environmental Ghana Limited into a major player in maritime environmental services. He also served on the boards of Menergy International (Ghana) Limited and Star Royal Complex School, where he contributed to policy development and governance.
His enduring passion for innovation, youth empowerment and ocean health inspired RMU’s decision to name the lecture series after him, ensuring his vision for a thriving Blue Economy lives on.
Platform for National Dialogue
This year’s lecture, themed “The Blue Economy: How Can Ghana Benefit for National Development and Job Creation within the Context of a 24-Hour Economy”, will feature the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ms. Emelia Arthur, as keynote speaker. Other speakers include the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, and Dr. Harry Barnes-Dabban, Executive Coordinator of Transitional Cooperation for Sustainable African Ports.
According to Dr. Robert Nyemah, RMU’s Head of Research and Innovation, the series is intended not only as a tribute to Mr. Okantey but also as a platform for policy advocacy, student engagement, and public education on the Blue Economy.
“This is not just another lecture. It is a strategic step toward positioning Ghana to harness its ocean resources responsibly for growth, jobs, and sustainability,” Dr. Nyemah stressed.
He urged government and private stakeholders to invest in marine waste management and support academic research, noting that the lecture series is expected to strengthen collaboration between RMU, industry, and policymakers.
Lasting Legacy
Though Mr. Okantey will not be present to witness the event he was meant to patronise, the RMU says the series will serve as a living memorial — highlighting his leadership, foresight, and dedication to maritime innovation.
“The Laud Okantey Lecture Series stands as both a tribute to his life and a national call to action in building a sustainable Blue Economy for future generations,” the statement added.
