The Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA), in collaboration with the Committee of Hall Administrators (CoHA), has continued its intensive training programme for hall and hostel assistants and managers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Obuasi Campus, with a focus on leadership, safety and student-centred service delivery.

The Coordinating Dean of the Obuasi Campus, Prof. Lawrence Darkwah, thanked participants and organisers, saying the training aims to strengthen administrative effectiveness, improve the management of student relationships, and enhance safety and well-being in residential facilities.

Prof. (Mrs.) Linda Aurelia Ofori, a former CoHA chair, outlined the rules governing residential life, highlighting clear protocols and consistent policy execution. She detailed administrative standards, including maintaining accurate hall registers, proper check-in and check-out systems, regular facility inspections, and periodic reporting to relevant university bodies.

Prof. Ofori said consistency in enforcing rules is essential to building trust and maintaining order, cautioning against arbitrary decision-making. She urged participants to rely on the Student’s Guide while ensuring alignment with university regulations and Ghana’s legal framework.

“Clear protocols and consistent policy execution are essential for maintaining discipline, ensuring safety, and building trust within our halls and hostels,” she said.

The Deputy Director responsible for Conduct and Discipline, Prof. Akwasi Acheampong Aning, led a session on managing conflict and discipline among students. He encouraged hall assistants to organise orientation programmes at the start of each semester and to ensure proper documentation of rules and regulations.

“Orientation at the beginning of every semester is critical in setting expectations and preventing avoidable conflicts among students so that every student can be aware of what is expected of them at their places of residence,” he said.

Dr. Martin Owusu Ansah, Off-campus Senior Tutor, highlighted the importance of building meaningful connections with students through effective service delivery. He advised hall and hostel assistants to adopt communication strategies that avoid confrontation while fostering understanding and trust.

“Students are your primary clients, and how you engage them can significantly shape their university experience. A simple conversation with a student without personalising issues can have a lasting impact on a student’s life,” he said.

Senior Security Officer Ms Joyce Kwarteng emphasised the need for clearly defined security rules for students and urged participants to be proactive in identifying and addressing potential threats.

“Safety in our halls and hostels begins with basic but critical measures, such as proper lighting, functional CCTV systems, and secure locks,” she said. “Every hall assistant and manager has a responsibility to actively identify and address security threats.”

Mr. Cosmos Osei Okyere, Counsellor at KNUST Obuasi Campus, provided guidance on identifying and supporting students in distress. He urged hall staff to take such signs seriously and refer affected students for professional support where necessary.

“Early identification and referral can make a significant difference in a student’s life because many students are dealing with hidden struggles, including financial challenges and family issues, and they need support, not judgment,” he said.

Mrs. Theodora Oduro, Head of Student Support and Financial Services at DoSA, said student safety remains a top priority for KNUST management, urging hall and hostel staff to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing incidents.

Those present at the training included Senior Tutor Prof. Samuel Asamoah Sakyi, Senior Tutor (Obuasi Campus) Dr. Eric Akowuah, and Housing Officer Mr. Alex Akwasi Akeale Weyeamo-Kubati.