GMA Director General Inspires T.I. AMASS Students to Explore Global Maritime Careers
Dr Ali, who returned to his roots at the T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School (Real AMASS) in Kumasi leading a high-powered technical team, to sensitise students on the vast, untapped career opportunities within the global maritime industry, challenged the students that the real hurdle facing job seekers is a lack of preparedness.
The program, held under the GMA’s “Go-to-Sea” campaign, aims to bridge the information gap for second-cycle students, positioning seafaring as a lucrative and viable career path for the next generation.
A Journey from Law to the High Seas
Addressing the students on the sidelines of activities marking the school’s 75th anniversary, the Director General shared his unique career trajectory to illustrate that professional paths are rarely linear.
Despite studying Science for his Ordinary level at the Lawra Secondary School, he pivoted to Law, when he studied General Arts at the TI Ahmadiyya School, eventually becoming the first Legal Officer for the Ghana Navy. 
“After a distinguished military career spanning 20 years, with many academic and professional qualifications including a PhD, I transitioned into private consultancy and academia, before my eventual appointment as the Director General of the GMA in January 2025 by President John Mahama”, Dr Ali told the students.
“In life, other things will come up, but you can determine what you wish to do,” he added, urging the students to remain adaptable and focused on their long-term goals.
Closing the Employment Gap
A key highlight of Dr Ali’s address was a discussion on the Ghanaian job market, where he challenged the “no jobs” narrative.
He emphasised that although job opportunities may be limited there are equally available jobs but those opportunities often require skills.
The DG thus counselled the students not enter the job market without tangible skills, specifically highlighting basic computer literacy and the ability to navigate data systems as non-negotiable requirements in the modern era. 
Dr Ali also cautioned the students against using their data and smartphones solely for entertainment on platforms like TikTok, challenging them instead to research and develop their skills to become beneficiaries of the maritime sector.
“A career at sea is often much more rewarding, both financially and professionally, than many other traditional jobs,” he noted.
He further reminded the students that no employer wants to pay for unproductive labor, calling for a shift away from a self-defeating mentality toward embracing their status as a “generation of opportunities.”
Navigating the Maritime Path
Providing practical guidance, the GMA’s Chief Examiner, Capt Samuel Ofori-Danquah, and a Senior Maritime Officer, Marvin Ayoo, conducted technical sessions detailing the specific requirements for becoming a seafarer – either an Officer or a Rating. 
They outlined the necessary educational certifications required to board vessels, the competitive remuneration packages available in the sector, and the clear progression paths from entry-level roles to senior officers on international merchant ships.
The technical team further clarified that seafaring careers are no longer exclusive to those with pure science backgrounds.
They pointed out that the maritime sector offers a diverse range of roles, from technical repairs and culinary services to maritime law, administration, logistics, and freight forwarding, ensuring that students from various academic disciplines can find a place within the industry.
The forum provided an opportunity for students to engage directly with the officials regarding entry requirements and the day-to-day realities of life at sea, further bridging the gap between their academic studies and the professional maritime world.
Real AMASS
The Assistant Head of Domestic at T.I. Ahmadiyya, Kamaldeen Ahmad in his remarks noted that initiatives such as the Go-to-Sea are critical for students as they make pivotal career decisions that will shape their futures.
He expressed profound gratitude to the GMA for providing the students with such exposure, noting that it would be instrumental in helping them chart their career paths going forward.
