The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, has assured GCTU security guards of Management’s commitment to their welfare in the execution of their responsibilities.
The VC made this remark during a two-day workshop held for security guards on March 25 & 27, 2025, at the Eva Von Hirsch Auditorium.
The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Human Resource and Organizational Development (DHROD), was aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of GCTU’s security guards, ensuring that they are equipped to provide exceptional security and safety services on campus.
In his brief remarks, the VC emphasized the importance of their role in keeping security and safety on campus and urged the security guards to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired from the workshop in their daily duties to ensure a high performance in their duties.
Speaking at the event, the Director of General Administration and Operations, Dr. Vera Graham Asante, emphasized that the training workshop for the security guards aligns with the University’s strategic agenda, particularly highlighting two key areas including staff growth and development and student experience. She stressed that an investment in the training and development of security guards is to demonstrate the University’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of campus life.
Dr. Graham Asante noted that security guards play a vital role in ensuring a safe and supportive campus environment and therefore expected them to conduct themselves in a professional manner, be approachable, open and welcoming to staff and other stakeholders. She indicated that by doing so, security guards can help prevent incidents of theft, attacks, or other negative experiences that might compromise students’ academic journey and overall well-being.
In her presentation, the Director of CSBPD, Mrs. Araba Hackman Akanji, who dabbled as a Resource Person, discussed “Customer Handling and Communication Skills.” She elaborated that effective communication skills are paramount in security roles as they significantly enhance the safety and reputation of an institution.
According to her, by possessing excellent communication skills, security guards can effectively collaborate with stakeholders, respond to emergencies and provide exceptional service, ultimately upholding GCTU’s reputation and ensuring a safe environment. Mrs. Hackman Akanji highlighted the various types of communication essential for effective security operations, including verbal, non-verbal, written and interpersonal communication. She shed light on the conflict resolution process and outlined its key steps.
The Head of Admissions, Dr. Kwame Owusu-Ansah Afram, touched on “Time and Task Management,” indicating that it involves the deliberate act of allocating specific amounts of time to tasks and activities that align with priorities and goals. He further added that by mastering it, security guards can optimize their performance, reduce stress and provide exceptional security services. Dr. Owusu-Ansah Afram outlined the effective use of time. He concluded his presentation by quoting Samuel Smiles, leaving a lasting impression on participants: “Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.”
The Acting Head of GCTU’s Security, Flt.Sgt. (Rtd) Emmanuel Hollomah, Certified Security Investigator (CSI) ®, explored in-depth “Roles and Responsibilities of Security Guards.” Key responsibilities discussed included:
- Protecting People and Property (ensuring the safety of individuals and assets by implementing protective measures and protocols).
- Conducting Surveillance (utilizing technology and patrols, detecting suspicious activities and preventing potential threats proactively).
- Managing Access Control (regulating entry points to secure sites, ensuring only authorized individuals access sensitive areas or information).
According to him, by understanding and fulfilling these roles and responsibilities, security guards play critical roles in safeguarding people, property and assets.
The Director of Human Resource and Organizational Development, Dr. Emmanuel Adjepong, expertly moderated the event, ensuring its successful execution and seamless flow.
