Meridian Port Services Ltd has continually demonstrated a commitment to the socio-economic advancement of the communities and the nation through its initiatives. In 2024, the company instituted a Graduate Trainee Program aimed at providing students from various tertiary institutions with invaluable career experience.

This program, designed for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, seeks to inspire future career choices by offering first-hand exposure to the world of work. The students from the community were introduced to opportunities within the maritime sector. Through temporary work placements, participants gain hands-on experience and acquire relevant professional competencies that will serve them well in future employment. Since its inception, the program has welcomed 26 postgraduate students and 2 undergraduate students, offering them practical training across multiple departments, including finance, procurement, operations, planning, and IT.

Participants were also introduced to Lean management systems and engaged in various projects aimed at solving departmental issues. This comprehensive approach ensures that trainees not only learn the theoretical aspects of their fields but also understand how to apply them in real-world scenarios.

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, MPS organized a send-off session for the first cohort of trainees. The event was marked by inspiring speeches from the management team, who shared valuable advice with the young professionals.

Steen Larsen, Chief Finance Officer, highlighted the positive feedback from employees regarding the trainees and encouraged them to seize future opportunities. “We have gained a lot from you and hope you have learnt a lot. Feedback from our employees is that you were an excellent batch, and we hope that you get the opportunities to prove yourselves wherever you go”.

For Frank Ebo Brown, Head of Legal & Compliance, he stressed the importance of integrity and transparency in one’s career. “You can have all the knowledge, but without integrity, you cannot get anywhere. That’s why we are guided by integrity and transparency. Proceed with integrity,” he advised.

“Never be shy to show what you are capable of. Show what you can do when the door is open,” Curtiss Dakpogan, Chief Operations Officer said while encouraging the trainees to showcase their capabilities when given the opportunity.

Mohamed Samara, CEO of MPS, emphasized the importance of stepping up to challenges and contributing to Ghana’s success in trade. “No one will define your value for you. You must take the initiative, demonstrate commitment, and showcase the impact you bring.” He further highlighted MPS’s broader vision, stating, “Our goal is to make Ghana a thriving trade hub and the preferred gateway for international commerce. By achieving this, we will establish effective connectivity to new trading markets, which is a key enabler for job creation across all sectors of trade and industry.“

The Graduate Trainee Program follows a meticulously designed structure. Participants are first introduced to MPS’s Lean management system, equipping them with problem-solving skills and a mindset for continuous improvement. This is followed by practical training within an assigned department, aligning with their field of study.

On their part, the trainees expressed profound appreciation for the program, highlighting the invaluable knowledge and skills they had acquired:

Samuel Nii Armah (QHSSE Department): “The program has been an enriching experience, equipping me with practical skills and a mindset for continuous improvement. MPS’s commitment to safety and environmental responsibility has deepened my appreciation for sustainable operations, while Lean principles have transformed my approach, making me a more efficient and disciplined professional.”

Yaw Sarpong (IT Department): “I am truly impressed by MPS’s heavy investment in technology and infrastructure to enhance productivity. Having the opportunity to learn from my supervisor and actively apply the skills I acquired was one of the best professional experiences I’ve had.”

Mary Fremah Adu: “This program has significantly boosted my confidence, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. It has also sparked my interest in the port industry.”

Deborah Konadu Acheampong: “One of the most exciting aspects of this program was working on the implementation of Phase 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project, specifically on the marine building and lighthouse. I was fascinated by the innovative construction techniques used, such as cavity walls for heat, fire, and sound resistance, stripped slabs for enhanced slip resistance, and the creation of expansion joints in concrete post-casting. This program has not only strengthened my technical expertise but also enhanced my confidence, public speaking skills, and eagerness to learn. I am grateful to MPS for investing in my professional development.”

Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration

Experts have long advocated for closer collaboration between academia and industry to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical workforce demands. The MPS Graduate Trainee Program exemplifies this approach, empowering the next generation of professionals with the skills, experience, and industry exposure needed to thrive in their careers.

As the event concluded, the CEO of MPS reaffirmed the company’s commitment, stating, “By investing in young talent, MPS is not only fostering individual career growth but also strengthening the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the maritime industry. This initiative stands as a testament to MPS’s commitment to nurturing talent, driving innovation, and shaping the future of Ghana’s logistics and trade sector.”

Watch highlights of the graduate trainee program here: https://youtu.be/uecVlN_vz14