The Misornu Safety Centre has urged organisations, particularly those in the hospitality industry, to prioritize organisational security to safeguard both staff and patrons of their facilities.
DCOP (Rtd) David Eklu, Executive Director of the Centre, made the call during a security and mediation awareness seminar held for the staff of Hillview Hotel at Teiman, Accra.
The seminar, which is part of the Centre’s broader initiative to enhance workplace security and conflict resolution, brought together experts from the Ghana Police Service and professionals in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to provide essential security and mediation training.
DCOP (Rtd) Eklu emphasized that the hospitality industry, which caters to a diverse clientele, faces unique security challenges that demand proactive measures, noting that hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues are susceptible to various security risks, including theft, fraud, violent incidents, and cyber threats.
“Ensuring the safety of staff and patrons is not just a legal or ethical obligation but also a business necessity. A secure environment enhances customer confidence, reduces operational risks, and boosts organisational profitability,” he stated.
He called on management teams within the hospitality sector to invest in security awareness training, deploy surveillance systems, and collaborate with security agencies to strengthen their internal security protocols.
DCOP (Rtd) Eklu encouraged more businesses to take proactive steps in securing their establishments and training their staff to handle security-related challenges.
As part of the seminar, police detectives from the Ghana Police Service provided practical training on security and safety measures tailored to the hospitality industry.
The session covered key areas such as identifying suspicious activities and responding appropriately to potential security threats; handling emergency situations, including fire outbreaks and medical emergencies; preventing and managing incidents of theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to restricted areas; and strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer and organisational data.
Participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations, learning effective security strategies to apply in their daily work environments.
In addition to security awareness, the seminar focused on the role of mediation in conflict resolution to promote workplace harmony and productivity. Mr. Edmund Mingle, an ADR expert, educated participants on the importance of ADR in preventing and resolving disputes within the workplace.
He highlighted how unresolved conflicts could escalate into serious security threats, disrupting business operations and affecting employee morale.
The session covered: techniques for early dispute resolution to prevent workplace tensions from escalating; strategies for effective communication to foster cooperation and mutual respect among staff; the benefits of mediation over litigation in resolving internal disputes efficiently; and how a peaceful and secure work environment enhances employee productivity and organisational growth.
According to Mr. Mingle, organisations that embrace mediation practices experience fewer workplace disputes, reduced legal costs, and improved teamwork, and urged employers to establish internal mediation structures to address grievances promptly and effectively.
The management of Hillview Hotel expressed gratitude to the Misornu Safety Centre and its partners for the insightful training, acknowledging that security and mediation skills were essential for maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
