UG Management has organised a Consultative Town Hall Meeting to address growing concerns about campus security following recent robbery attacks.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro VC (ASA), stated that the purpose of the meeting was to openly discuss security concerns on campus and to brainstorm on strategies to mitigate them.
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro VC (ASA)
Taking turns to address the gathering, Prof. Ernest Tweneboah Koduah, Chairman of the University of Ghana Security Committee, Mr. Idrissu Seidu, Ag. Security Coordinator and Officials from the Ghana Police Service, all agreed that every individual must first be responsible for their personal safety by observing their surroundings and taking precautions. They warned students to avoid using headphones while moving around campus, since they would be unable to hear or notice any suspicious attack directed at them.
DSP Cecilia Harriet Appiah-Ampofo, Legon District Police Commander
After hours of open discussions, several proactive actions to combat the threat have been implemented. These include, among other things, the deployment of the Legon Police and UG Security to strengthen night patrols on campus, the installation of streetlights on some routes, the extension of hours of operation of the shuttles and sensitisation on security issues during lecture hours.
A cross-section of members of the UG community at the Meeting
On behalf of the students, SRC President, Martin Gyasi Boakye and his Vice, Lincoln Kwabena Ohene, praised the University administration for convening such a meeting to discuss the campus security situation. They did, however, urge Management to promptly adopt the safety measures put in place to forestall future security concerns.
Martin Gyasi Boakye, SRC President
They also vowed to work with Management to increase safety awareness among students on campus so that they can live in a fear-free environment and thrive academically.
Mr. Isaac Igoma, the CEO of Bani Hostel, disclosed that CCTV cameras had been set up at his hostel. He also pledged to work with Management to install streetlights and clear overgrown plants around the hostel as a safety precaution.
The meeting was attended by members of the University community.
