The Deputy Director of Security in charge of operations at the University of Ghana, Seidu Iddrisu Mombu, has raised concerns over the inadequate number of security personnel on campus, following reports of robbery attacks and security incidents shared by students on Campus Exclusive
Speaking on the show this morning, Seidu acknowledged that while security personnel are making efforts, their numbers remain insufficient.
“I wouldn’t say they are not working. It also has to do with numbers, if you get to know the security strength these days, it’s something that would dishearten anybody who is seriously interested in security matters on campus.”
He disclosed that the total staff strength on the main campus is 310, operating in three shifts. This means that, at any given time, fewer than 100 officers are on duty.
“… Out of these 100 people, there are some who are on leave. There are some who are on off-duty. So, you are getting less than 100 people at a point working on the whole campus, due to this shortage, not all areas of the campus can be effectively covered. So, it is not possible to have security men everywhere. That’s why we prioritize some places,” he added.
Also Mr.Seidu urged students to take personal safety precautions, particularly by avoiding poorly lit areas at night and warned against walking alone at night encouraging students to move in groups.
“Yes, there are a lot of students who use short routes, and that takes us back to the lighting system. You see students passing places that are very dark at night, and we think that if they can avoid such places, the longer route might be too long to walk, but it’s safer due to the proper lighting system. At midnight, you see students just walking through these routes, and we always advise that at that point, they do not walk alone. If you need to walk, get a team of people, maybe three, four, or five, then at that point, everybody is afraid to attack you,” he said.
With safety concerns mounting, students and stakeholders are calling on the university administration to take urgent action by increasing security personnel and enhancing campus lighting systems.
Story by: Evelyn Ampah| univers.ug.edu.gh
