The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) has organised a two-week certificate programme in Industrial Safety, Security, and Project Management (CerISSP) for selected personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces at the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2Bn), Takoradi. The programme, which aims to enhance participants' knowledge of cutting-edge safety practices, develop core competencies in project management, and acquaint them with the latest advancements in security management was launched on Monday, 12th August 2024 at the Myohaung Barracks, Takoradi.
In his welcome address, the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Daniel Atobrah Bondah, expressed profound appreciation to the University’s Management for the realisation of a long-held aspiration for the introduction of a certificate programme on Industrial Safety, Security, and Project Management noting that the programme aligns perfectly with the military’s commitment to continuous learning and collaboration in the interest of national peace, security and development.
Lt. Col. Bondah emphasised the critical role that continuous training, research, and development play in maintaining professionalism and operational competence of the Armed Forces. He stated that the core mandate of the defence of Ghana requires continuous knowledge acquisition that addresses contemporary security challenges, underscoring the importance of staying abreast of socio-cultural and political factors that influence national safety.
Focusing on the unique security dynamics of the Western and Western North Regions, which contribute nearly 60% of Ghana's gross domestic product, the Commanding Officer highlighted the need for specialised knowledge to manage the security and safety challenges posed by the mining, oil, gas, and agricultural sectors in these regions and expressed confidence that the partnership with the University will provide the necessary expertise to address these challenges effectively.
Lt. Col. Bondah expressed optimism that the certificate programme will pave the way for stronger collaborations between the University and the Ghana Armed Forces and expressed that future iterations of the programme will be designed to accommodate the military's operational schedules and deployment challenges.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Anthony Simons, in his address, expressed great pleasure in the timely introduction of the programme, particularly in a year that the country would hold national elections and noted that the programme presents an invaluable opportunity to enhance the partnership between academia and security agencies.
Professor Simons underscored that the University has over the years deepened its relationship with security agencies through initiatives such as the establishment of the Disaster and Emergency Management (DEM) Hub that organises an annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work Celebrations and Emergency Simulation Exercises which have not only educated the public on disaster and emergency management but have also reshaped the narrative surrounding the role of security agencies in the country highlighting the military's significant involvement during the Emergency Simulation Exercises which have been held in Tarkwa so far.
Professor Simons said the University is steadily progressing towards establishing a fully operational Emergency Management Centre In partnership with mining industry stakeholders. This centre aims to ensure effective coordination among stakeholders in disaster and emergency management, with a focus on training programmes such as the Certificate in Industrial Safety, Security and Project Management. He further noted that the certificate programme, developed in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces, is the first of its kind at the University and is expected to pave the way for increased collaboration between academia and security agencies for research and professional development.
The Pro Vice Chancellor noted that the certificate programme has received an overwhelmingly positive response from personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces, with inquiries coming from military personnel across the country, as well as other security agencies and reaffirmed the University's commitment to providing accessible and meaningful educational opportunities for security personnel.
He encouraged participants to consider enrolling in the University’s diverse range of programmes, from short courses to postgraduate degrees designed to enhance professional development and meet the demands of the extractive industry. He assured that the University will make a conscious effort to accommodate the unique needs of security personnel, regardless of their schedules or locations.
The Dean of the Office of Research, Innovation and Consultancy (ORIC), Professor Michael Affam underscored the University’s efforts to strengthen ties with its stakeholders particularly the catchment communities through community-oriented initiatives. He added that the partnership will provide participants with a diverse set of skills, including leadership development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, project management, safety practices, and team-building exercises.
Professor Affam further acknowledged the involvement of the Naval and Air Force leadership and expressed gratitude to the facilitators who contributed to the programme’s success.
