Health and safety professional Edward Debrah has issued a stark warning to event organizers, promoters, venue operators, and contractors, emphasizing that patron safety must be central to all public gatherings. This caution follows recent incidents linked to the Shattafest concert in London, serving as a critical reminder for the Ghanaian events industry.
Debrah’s statement, released on Monday, August 10, under the theme “Safe Events, Stronger Experiences,” underscores that successful events should be remembered for positive experiences, not for preventable accidents. He stressed that the responsibility for safety is not singular but shared among all stakeholders involved in planning and delivering events, from initial conceptualization to the final attendee’s departure.
This intervention comes as the organization of large public events in Ghana continues to draw scrutiny regarding the measures taken to protect audiences, staff, and contractors. The nation’s burgeoning entertainment and cultural sectors rely heavily on public gatherings, making robust safety protocols essential for sustained growth and public confidence. Past events have sometimes faced criticism over crowd management and emergency preparedness, highlighting a need for systemic improvements.
“Every successful event should be remembered for the right reasons, not for preventable incidents,” Debrah stated. He further elaborated that compliance with legal requirements should be considered only the minimum standard. A genuine commitment to protecting people is what truly builds trust, enhances reputations, and ensures events remain memorable for the right reasons.
Looking ahead, the events industry must integrate comprehensive safety planning from the outset. This includes thorough risk assessments, effective crowd management strategies, and well-developed emergency response plans covering fire, first aid, and medical emergencies. Decision-makers and industry players will need to respond by investing in trained security personnel, safe infrastructure, and appropriate welfare facilities. Clear communication with both staff and the public, along with post-event reviews, will be crucial for continuous improvement and preventing future mishaps. The focus will shift from attendance figures alone to how safely patrons return home.
Debrah highlighted that robust health and safety planning must begin long before the first guest arrives and continue until the last person has safely left the venue. He emphasized that organizers must make adequate provision for essential safety measures. These include detailed risk assessments to identify potential hazards and effective crowd management techniques to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth movement.
Furthermore, properly developed emergency response plans are vital. These plans should cover a range of scenarios, including fires, first aid requirements, and medical emergencies, ensuring quick and efficient action when needed. Events also require well-trained and competent security personnel to maintain order and respond to security threats.
Ensuring safe infrastructure and appropriate welfare facilities, such as accessible restrooms and hydration points, is also paramount. Clear communication and instructions for both staff and members of the public are essential for guiding attendees and ensuring their safety throughout the event. Finally, Debrah advocated for post-event reviews to identify shortcomings and lessons that can be applied to future events, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
He concluded by stating that these measures should not be viewed merely as regulatory requirements but as fundamental responsibilities towards the people attending an event. “No event can be successful if lives are put at unnecessary risk,” he asserted. Debrah also drew attention to the profound responsibility that comes with selling tickets, noting that “Every ticket sold represents a person with family, friends and loved ones expecting them to return home safely.”