The Directorate of Human Resource and Organizational Development has recently organized an orientation programme for its newly recruited security personnel at the Eva Von Hirsch Auditorium, main campus, Tesano.

The event aimed at building the capacity of security personnel by equipping them with vital information to excel, familiarize themselves with the various Faculties and Departments, navigate the University Community, and enhance their performance in the execution of their duties.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Human Resource and Organizational Development (HROD), Dr. Emmanuel Adjepong, welcomed the new security personnel to the GTUC family and wished them success in their new endeavour. He emphasized that GCTU is a growing institution with a past, present and future. “We have overcome some of our past challenges, some are outstanding and some are new. Therefore, we are resolving them promptly, he said.

Dr. Adjepong stressed that GCTU prides itself as a student-centred institution and noted that everything that impacts on students directly needs prioritizing. “Students are our priority and anything that impacts on students directly needs priority. Your attitude to students should be professional,” he said.

The Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo discussed the “Overview of GCTU” and elaborated on how GCTU has transitioned into a public University through promulgation of the GCTU Act 2020 (Act 1022).

He added that GCTU is a centre for academic excellence providing an enabling environment for quality teaching and learning, research, intellectual creativity, innovation and service to the community. “GCTU aspires to be a world-class university promoting scholarship, innovative research, cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurship and developing outstanding students and staff for national and global development,” he said.

The Head of Department, General Studies, Dr. Cletus Kwaku Mbowura, underscored the importance of “Work Ethics” stating that they are essential for fostering a positive work environment, creating the frameworks and standards for measuring the work of employees in organizations and contributing to organizational success, employee morale and customer satisfaction. He outlined the “Key Principles of Work Ethics (The PRITPRAC Framework), namely, responsibility, integrity, teamwork, positivity, respect, accountability, and continuous Improvement.

An officer from the Office of Student Affairs, Rachel Opoku, emphasized that by effectively identifying and managing student behaviour, contributes to creating a safe, supportive teaching and learning environment, where all students can thrive. “Your role as a GCTU Security staff is not just about enforcing rules but also about fostering a sense of community and belonging on the GCTU campus.

Ms. Opoku encouraged them to develop keen observation skills to detect signs of disruptive behaviour, aggression, or potential conflicts. “Pay attention to student interactions, group dynamics, and any unusual activities on the University campus,” she said.

The Head of ITSS, Prof. Stephen Asunka, gave a presentation on the responsibilities of his Directorate. He noted that CCTV cameras are mounted at vantage locations on campus to aid security personnel in monitoring suspicious characters and detect criminal activities during working hours.
The Head of Alumni and Institutional Advancement at the University Relations Directorate, Mrs. Lucy Eghan, on behalf of the Director, Dr. Nusrat-Jahan Abubakar, highlighted the key responsibilities of the Directorate towards security personnel and the services the Directorate renders to support their work on campus.

An officer from the Directorate of General Administration & Operation, Mr. Anthony Kuukyine, indicated that security personnel are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of the University. Mr. Kuukyine charged them to protect life and property, keep watch over the University vehicles, buildings, machinery and fittings. “Engage suspected trespassers. Patrol after work to check on people in offices, turn lights off, close windows,” he said.

The Director, Quality Assurance, Dr. Wahab Abdul Iddrisu, took the opportunity to discuss day–to-day activities/duties of his Directorate. He stressed on adherence to quality standards, regulations and safety of employees.

Dr. Iddrisu urged them to report issues to superiors whenever necessary.
An officer from the University Library System, Ms. Asmawo Abubakar, elaborated the rules and regulations in the library. He said that the GCTU library’s vision is to provide excellent information and deliver quality services to the University Community.