DEHSE-UEW Organises Seminar on Fire Safety and Waste Management Strategies
The Department of Environmental Health and Sanitation Education (DEHSE) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has organised a seminar to equip students with practical knowledge in fire safety, emergency response and sustainable waste management.
The initiative is to establish a connection between theory and practice in environmental health education. Held at the Students Centre Seminar Room III on Thursday, 12th March, 2026, the seminar brought together faculty members, industry practitioners and students under the theme “Bridging Theory and Practice: Fire Safety, Emergency Response and Sustainable Waste Management.” The programme sought to expose students to real-world experiences and best practices in environmental safety and sanitation.
Prof. Fred Yao Gbagbo, the Dean of the Faculty of Health, Allied Science and Home Economics Education, commended the organisers and participants for their commitment to professional learning and punctuality. He emphasised the importance of safety awareness and preparedness in institutions and communities, recounting a past emergency simulation incident during his time at the University of Ghana which demonstrated how panic and lack of preparedness could create confusion during crises.
Prof. Gbagbo encouraged students to take emergency preparedness seriously and always be mindful of safety procedures. He noted that knowledge gained from such seminars could help save lives during unexpected disasters.
Dr. Godfred Safo-Adu, the Head of DEHSE, highlighted the growing environmental and safety challenges facing Ghana, particularly in relation to improper waste management and frequent fire outbreaks. He noted that such challenges pose serious threats to public health, property and the environment.
Dr. Safo-Adu explained that the Department is committed to training students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to manage sanitation challenges and promote sustainable environmental practices. He stressed that bringing practitioners into academic discussions helps students appreciate how theoretical knowledge can be applied in real-life situations.
Speaking on sustainable waste management practices, Mr. Elias Botchway, an Operations Manager at Medical Waste Services Limited in Mankessim, Central region, underscored the dangers associated with improper waste handling, particularly medical and hazardous waste. He explained that poor waste management can lead to infections, environmental pollution and serious health risks for both workers and the public.
Mr. Botchway therefore urged individuals and institutions to adopt responsible waste segregation, storage and disposal practices, stressing that sustainable waste management requires collective responsibility and continuous public education.
ADO1 Evans Titus Donkoh, an Assistant Divisional Officer with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at the Winneba Branch, delivered a presentation on fire safety management and emergency response. He explained that the mandate of the GNFS goes beyond firefighting to include fire prevention, safety inspections and public education.
ADO1 Donkoh identified electrical faults, gas leakages, negligence and poor housekeeping as some of the major causes of fire outbreaks and urged participants to adopt preventive measures such as regular maintenance of electrical systems, safe handling of gas cylinders and awareness of emergency exits.
Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge gained from the seminar in their academic and professional lives and to serve as advocates for environmental health and safety in their communities. The Department also presented special souvenirs to the speakers in appreciation of their insightful presentations and as a token to commemorate their visit to the UEW.
The seminar forms part of UEW’s broader commitment to strengthening practical training and industry collaboration in environmental health education while preparing students to address sanitation and safety challenges in society.
