The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have initiated discussions aimed at strengthening safety measures on the UPSA campus.
A delegation of senior management from UPSA, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, on Friday, July 18, 2025.
The meeting focused on fire safety protocols, particularly in and around student hostels and the main campus, in light of the university’s growing student population.
Prof. Mawutor underscored the urgent need to adopt proactive strategies to mitigate fire risks on campus.
“With the increasing number of students, it is imperative that we strengthen our safety infrastructure, especially within the hostels,” the Vice-Chancellor noted.
“The safety of our community members is of utmost importance to us. That is why we are calling on the Fire Service to organise periodic fire drills and safety sensitisation programmes, as well as train our staff and students in basic fire prevention and emergency response, including the use of fire extinguishers available in campus buildings.”
Prof. Mawutor further indicated UPSA’s willingness to offer tailor-made certification programmes in management, finance, and leadership for personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service, as part of efforts to deepen the partnership.
In response, Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong expressed appreciation to the UPSA team for the visit and lauded the university’s commitment to safety.
“We are excited about the opportunity to work with academic institutions like UPSA to promote a culture of safety,” she stated.
“We are also considering the long-term deployment of dedicated fire safety officers to the UPSA campus to complement the fire education and monitoring.”
The meeting concluded with both UPSA and GNFS affirming their commitment to a sustainable partnership that would serve as a model for institutional safety collaborations across the country.
