The Security Services of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has commenced its annual General Security Training for officers and guards across the University and its affiliate institutions.
According to the Head of Security Services, Lt. Col. Richard Cobba-Eshun, the training, held under the theme “Consolidating the Professionalism of Campus Security Officers,” forms part of the University’s broader capacity-building plan aimed at enhancing professionalism among its security staff.
He noted that 540 security personnel from KNUST and affiliated bodies such as the GUSSS, KCCR, TEK Credit Union, and Chaplaincy are expected to participate.
The training will be conducted in two batches, from October 28 to November 1, 2025, and November 4 to 8, 2025, at the Great Hall and the Royal Parade Grounds.
Lt. Col. Cobba-Eshun explained that the programme was designed to reinforce the professional capacity and operational efficiency of security personnel.
“The objective is to ensure that officers are reminded of how to effectively and efficiently perform their duties, introduced to contemporary campus security trends, and exposed to legal and media issues related to safety,” he said.
Recognising the demanding nature of their work, he revealed that the training also includes physical fitness and health education components such as morning endurance exercises and sessions on identifying and managing cancerous diseases.
“Security work is risky and stressful, often leading to unattended health issues. Officers must be physically and mentally fit, with continuous physical training as the best way to achieve that,” he added.
Lt. Col. Cobba-Eshun expressed confidence that the training would consolidate professionalism and enhance the provision of reliable security services for a safer University community.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the Quality Assurance and Planning Office, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, commended the Head of Security and his team for preparing personnel both physically and professionally ahead of the next academic year.
He noted that as crime becomes more sophisticated with technological and AI advancements, university security must evolve from a reactive to a proactive system capable of anticipating and preventing crime.
“Discipline remains the foundation of every security establishment,” he emphasized, urging officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and discipline.
During a session on media and information literacy, Mr. Nana Kwadwo Jantuah, General Manager of Focus FM, cautioned against information overload in the digital era.
“Security officers must identify credible and accurate content and learn to negotiate meaning before accepting or rejecting information,” he said, adding that officers must rely on facts rather than emotions in their duties.
Mr. Kwabena Yeboah Asuama, Assistant Registrar of the Legal Welfare Division, addressed selected legal issues relevant to security officers within the KNUST administrative framework.
He explained procedures related to staff record updates, including birth registration, marriage or divorce documentation, and change of name processes.
“These procedures are vital for maintaining accurate records, which affect benefits, insurance, dependents, and allowances,” he stressed.
The week-long training will also cover topics such as behavioural standards, public order management, police-campus collaboration, crime prevention, intelligence-led operations, and cybersecurity.
