Mensah Sarbah Hall has become the first hall of residence at the University of Ghana to introduce a Risk Register, marking a significant step towards strengthening safety, governance, and institutional accountability. The initiative is designed to facilitate the systematic identification, assessment, and management of risks across key operational areas, including infrastructure, financial management, governance, and student welfare.
Launching the initiative, the Hall Master, Prof. Roger Atinga, explained that the Risk Register was developed in response to recommendations from an internal audit, which highlighted the need to strengthen governance beyond financial compliance. He noted that the framework promotes a proactive approach to managing risks affecting students, staff, fellows, and hall operations.
Prof. Atinga emphasized that effective risk management is a shared responsibility and announced plans for capacity-building sessions to equip staff, fellows, and vendors with the knowledge required to implement the risk register successfully.
In his keynote address, Prof. Samuel N. Y. Simpson, Deputy Director of the Internal Audit Directorate responsible for Risk Management, commended the Hall for translating audit recommendations into action. He introduced the TARA framework: Transfer, Avoid, Reduce, and Accept as a practical guide for managing risks and stressed that the Risk Register should be regularly reviewed and updated.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Rosina Kyerematen, described the initiative as a forward-looking mechanism that promotes preparedness, shared accountability, and improved student welfare. She also encouraged stronger collaboration among halls to strengthen risk management within the University community. She expressed confidence that the initiative will serve as a model for other halls of residence across the University.
The Risk Register aligns with the University of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing residential safety, and promoting institutional resilience. The ceremony was attended by staff, fellows and students of the hall.
