Edern Security Services Ltd. (ESSL), a wholly Ghanaian-owned private security company, has been granted an International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) 18788:2015 certification, becoming the first in West Africa.
ISO 18788:2015 provides a framework for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving the management of security operations. It provides the principles and requirements for a security operations management system (SOMS).
This certification allows private security firms to use weapons – especially guns and other sophisticated arms. Edern Security is now therefore the first private security company in West Africa to receive the prestigious ISO 18788:2015 certification and is eligible to use guns, even though the laws of Ghana do not allow that yet.
The firm also received ISO 9001:2015, which is a globally recognised quality management standard that outlines the requirements for an organisation’s Quality Management System (QMS).
According to the firm’s management, this certification is a significant accomplishment that highlights ESSL’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch services while upholding the highest security standards.
The certification specifies the scope of coverage for Edern Securities operations – which includes providing manpower security, cash-in-transit services and rapid response services.
Board Chairperson of Edern Security, Florence Hutchful, in her remarks stressed that the private security space in Ghana is very competitive and requires players to always innovate to stay in business; and that is what Eden Security has done over the years to continue staying in business and ahead of the competition.
“The attainment of this certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of management and staff in adhering to industry best practices and professional standards as required of them. This is also a motivation to continue serving our clients with the highest level of professionalism,” she said.
ISO Implementer, Mahesh Panigrahy, in his remarks at a certificate presentation ceremony mentioned that people, processes, technology and organisational culture are the four core drivers of growth and sustainability for any institution from one generation to the next. The ISO process therefore independently assesses the compliance of an organisation with these parameters among others.
He therefore encouraged Edern to continue paying critical attention to these pillars for the organisation to continue growing in the country and even beyond.
Chief Executive Officer of Edern Security, Emmanuel Quartey, believes the ISO certification will further strengthen the organisation’s position in the industry and open doors to more opportunities.
He urged the operational personnel to ensure that the certification shows on the field of work by exhibiting top-level standards on duty wherever they find themselves
Batsona District Commander of Ghana Police Service (GPS), Superintendent Elvis Sadongo, emphasised that the need for private security to thrive in the country has been given impetus by the GPS – through the appointment of a director in charge of private security operations at Police Headquarters.
“This goes to emphasise that no matter how many personnel the GPS recruits and trains in the country, there will still be a need for private security to complement efforts of the police. This certification is an indication that Eden Security has risen above all others in the private space,” he said.
“The Ghana Police Service is grateful for the services of Edern and other private security companies for being at places where the police service cannot be at all times to provide complementary services,” he said.
He urged management to be vigilant and understand that the certification is a responsibility to go beyond their current means and exhibit top-notch standards.
