The University of Ghana, through the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development), and the University of Ghana Business School, partnered with Fihankra ComTech LLC and Devnest Systems to host the maiden Ghana Security and Safety Conference and Expo at the R.S. Amegashie Auditorium, Legon, on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Held on the theme “Innovating for Safety: Innovate, Collaborate, Protect,” the conference convened government officials, researchers, technology innovators, security agencies, and private sector partners to deliberate on emerging threats and innovative national safety strategies.
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, chaired the event and reaffirmed the University’s role as a hub for impactful research and technological transformation. “The Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor, through the Research and Innovation Directorate remains committed to facilitating innovations that translate into real-world safety and security solutions,” — Prof. Asante emphasized. He lauded Fihankra ComTech’s growth into a Pan-African safety technology company operating across Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania — a model of industry that can emerge when academic research is harnessed into entrepreneurship.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Deputy Minister for the Interior, called for strengthened collaboration and investment in digital technologies to tackle Ghana’s rapidly evolving security challenges. He stressed that threats such as cyberattacks, disaster risks, and transnational crime demand cross-sector coordination, continuous innovation, and empowered citizen participation. “No single institution can secure the nation alone. We must innovate together, collaborate together, and protect each other,” the Deputy Minister stated.
The conference featured expert panel discussions on cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, AI-enabled surveillance technologies, and public safety reforms. Participants included leaders from the security sector, academia, and the technology industry.
An innovation exhibition showcased emerging safety solutions developed by Ghanaian entrepreneurs and University of Ghana students — demonstrating strong local capability in emergency response systems, industrial safety tools, and data-driven security applications.
Mr. Joseph Owiredu, CEO of Fihankra ComTech, noted that the conference is designed to bridge gaps between innovators and policymakers to promote a safer and more resilient Ghana. He announced plans to extend similar engagements to other African countries.
Prof. Asante expressed optimism that the insights and technologies presented would support Ghana’s national preparedness while positioning the University as a strategic partner for advancements in the security sector.