As part of efforts to maintain the vigilance and readiness of security personnel in safeguarding the University community and effectively handling security-related emergencies, the University Security Services of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, organised a three-day General Security training for all KNUST Security Officers. The training, themed 'Enhancing the Professionalism of Campus Security Officers,' was held from 17th to 28th October 2023, in two batches at the Great Hall and Royal Parade Grounds.
In his welcome remarks, the Head of University Security Services, Lt. Col Richard Cobba-Eshun, highlighted that the training aimed to enhance the professional capacity of security personnel of the KNUST. The goal was to remind the personnel of their security and safety duties, introduce them to contemporary issues related to campus security, and familiarise them with the legal aspects of security.
The Chairman of the University Security Services Management Committee, Professor Dadson Awunyo-Vitor, representing the Vice-Chancellor, noted that the training aligned with the Vice-Chancellor's vision: "To position KNUST as a competitive global research-intensive institution for advancements in science and technology, for industrial and social uptake towards sustainable national and global development." He stressed the relevance of the training, which is to ensure that Security Officers continue to operate with professionalism and integrity. He believes this will contribute to the realisation of the Vice-Chancellor's vision and the overall vision of the University.
Delivering a presentation on Communication Skills for Security Officers, Dr. Daniel Nkrumah of the Department of Language and Communication Sciences, KNUST, emphasised that in terms of communication, the roles of Security Officers have evolved, particularly with the growing popularity of private security firms and corporate security. Beyond physical security, corporate security officers serve as first responders during crises and are also tasked with duties related to monitoring control equipment at premises. Therefore, this evolution places an important requirement for relevant communication skills for Security Officers.
He affirmed that the role of the corporate security officer is vital to organisational growth and advised security officers to act professionally and ethically as they usually represent the image of the organisations.
A total of five hundred and fifty (550) KNUST Security Personnel participated in the training and built their capacities in Behavioural Standards of Security Officers, Fundamental Human Rights and Rights of Private Citizens to Arrest, Duties of Security Officers, Firefighting Techniques, Security Report Writing, and Witness Presentations.
