The University of Ghana’s Safety and Security Services Directorate, in collaboration with the National Ambulance Service, has launched its Safety and Security Champions and Capacity Building Training program to promote a culture of vigilance, safety, and security across all campuses.
The initiative, launched Thursday, July 17, is part of the university’s broader efforts to foster a safe and enabling environment for academic and social life. The training program is expected to span over a month and will include targeted sessions for students, staff, and key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event,Vice Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo reaffirmed management’s commitment to maintaining secure campus environments.
”Management is committed to ensuring that all campuses, research and learning centers of the university are safe havens where both internal and external stakeholders can undertake their business without threats of insecurity.We will continue to retool our security personnel, recognize their contributions, and provide the needed support to fully unlock the potential of this directorate.”
She also emphasized that fostering a culture of safety must be viewed as a long-term and shared commitment.
”Today’s event is extremely important, but it’s just one of the things we do as part of a process. It is not a task for one office or directorate; it is a shared commitment. When institutions cultivate such a culture, they empower their community to be on alert but not anxious, prepared but not panicked, engaged but not overwhelmed.”
The vice chancellor encouraged the university community to embrace the initiative and play their part.
”Let us take this opportunity to learn, grow, and commit to being active custodians of the safety culture we envisage in order to build a thriving academic community,” she said.
In his address, Director of the Safety and Security Services Directorate Dr. Isaac Amoabeng described the initiative as part of a broader strategy aligned with the university’s priorities.
”This initiative showcases our commitment to the University of Ghana’s strategic priorities—especially in enhancing the student experience, supporting our faculty and staff, ensuring campus safety, and strengthening engagement and partnerships,” he said.
In an interview with Univers News, Dr. Amoabeng added that the directoratey
is taking proactive steps to address recent theft incidents on campus. He emphasized the role of the newly launched Security Champions in helping to curb such issues.
“We have an intelligence department within the Safety and Security Directorate. The champions will be trained on how to pick up information and pass it on.At the moment, we have some students who tell us what is happening. They will inform our team if they see something suspicious,” he explained.
–
Story by Wilhemina Nii-Moi|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
