CSIR Trains Northern Sector Staff in Professional Janitorial and Facilities Sanitation Management

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has organized a 5-day training programme on Professional Janitorial and Facilities Sanitation Management for junior staff from its Northern Sector institutions.

The training, held from June 8 to 12, 2026, at the Sofernet Conference Room of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute (CSIR-SRI) at Kwadaso- Kumasi, sought to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in modern sanitation practices, workplace hygiene, and facilities management.

In his welcome address, Dr. Emmanuel Dugan, Senior Research Scientist and Acting Deputy Director of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, encouraged participants to remain attentive throughout the training and embrace emerging trends and best practices in professional janitorial and facilities sanitation management.

The programme was facilitated by Mr. Samuel Azuug Ndebilla, Head of Commercialization at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, and Ms. Hagar Assan, Principal Administrative Officer at the CSIR-Soil Research Institute.

Speaking during the training, the facilitators emphasized the importance of maintaining clean, safe, and healthy work environments to support research activities and improve institutional productivity. They noted that janitorial and sanitation personnel play a critical role in projecting a positive image of the institution while ensuring the well-being of staff and visitors.

The training covered key areas including professional cleaning techniques, accountability, emotional intelligence, customer service, workplace ethics and integrity, and best practices in facilities maintenance.

Mr. Ndebilla encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to improve sanitation standards within their respective workplaces. He noted that professionalism, commitment, and attention to detail are essential qualities for effective facilities management.

“As a research institution, our success depends on both senior and junior staff. Whether in the field, laboratory, or service delivery, they play a vital role. We remain committed to supporting their growth and ensuring they benefit from career progression,” he added.

Ms. Assan urged participants to uphold high standards of ethics, integrity, and discipline in the discharge of their duties, stressing that a clean and well-maintained environment contributes significantly to staff morale and organizational performance.

Participants expressed appreciation to management for organizing the programme, describing it as timely and beneficial to their professional development. They pledged to implement the lessons learned to enhance sanitation and facilities management within their institutions.

The training forms part of CSIR’s continuous staff capacity-building initiatives aimed at promoting excellence, professionalism, and effective service delivery across its institutions.