As part of efforts to keep security personnel alert and poised to protect the University community and manage security related crisis, KNUST in collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinating Council (REGSEC) has organised a two-day training for all KNUST Security personnel. The training was organised from 18th to 21st February, 2020 for two batches of the KNUST security personnel with resource persons from REGSEC and KNUST.
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kwasi Obiri-Danso, stated that there was the need for the security officers to continuously learn to become abreast with contemporary security issues in order to remain efficient and effective in their security duties. He, therefore, urged all the officers to take the training seriously as the resource persons were very experienced professionals invited to impact knowledge into them.
The Head of University Security Services, Lt. Col. Richard Cobba-Eshun (Rtd), mentioned that the training sessions is to help maintain high standards in the provision of security services in KNUST as well as expose the University Security Services personnel to new trends in security management especially in a University setting. He hoped by the end of the training the personnel would be fully equipped to carry out their duties professionally and effectively.
In her closing remarks, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, said security personnel played a critical role in creating a good brand for the University personnel since they are sometimes the first point of contact for a new visitor. She therefore termed the training as timely as it would improve the communication and interpersonal skills of the security officers.
Professor Dickson encouraged the personnel to follow specific procedures and be professional always, especially in dealings with the students.
A total number of 475 KNUST Security personnel participated in the training and were enlightened on topics such as: Arrest, Investigation and Prosecution, Intelligence Collection and Protective Security, Communication Skills, and Fire Safety at the Workplace. Other topics treated include, Qualities of Security Officers, Fundamental Human Rights and Rights of a Private Citizen, Managing Emotions at Workplace and Interpersonal Skills for Security Personnel. Participants were also taken through drill lessons such as Foot and Marching Drills and Paying of Compliment and Saluting Drills.