Challenges of campus security guards in Ghanaian higher education: a case of a university’s satellite learning centres

Despite the critical role of security guards in safeguarding property and maintaining safety within educational institutions, limited research has examined the unique challenges they face within the Ghanaian higher education sector. This study, grounded in motivation theory, addresses this gap by exploring the working conditions of security guards at satellite learning centres affiliated with a Ghanaian university. Through purposive sampling, we conducted individual interviews with 17 guards across three satellite centres, with data analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal significant challenges, commonly experienced ones include understaffing and extended working hours, work-life imbalance, training lapses, logistical constraints, low remuneration, and inflation. These challenges hinder guards’ performance and expose systemic issues that may compromise institutional security and staff retention. Policy implications call for fair workloads, competitive pay, regular training, better resources, and strategies to enhance retention and security.