Security · Audit
Security Audit in Ghana
A security audit is an independent check of the security measures an organisation already has — guarding, access control, CCTV, procedures and records — against a defined standard, policy or legal requirement. In Ghana, S.G. Technologies conducts physical security audits for banks, insurers, plants, embassies and estates, measured against ISO 31000 and ASIS International standards.
Last updated: · Reviewed by S.G. Technologies consultants
Definition
Physical security audit: A structured, evidence-based verification that the protective measures at a site — people, procedures, physical barriers and electronic systems — exist, work as intended and meet the standard they are supposed to meet. It is distinct from an IT or cyber security audit, which examines networks, systems and data.
What is a physical security audit — and how is it different from an IT security audit?
Most searches for a "security audit" in Ghana return IT and cyber security firms. That is a different discipline: an IT security audit tests networks, applications and data handling. A physical security audit tests what protects people, premises and assets on the ground — the perimeter, the gate, the guard force, the cameras, the keys and the procedures that tie them together.
S.G. Technologies is a physical security, safety and risk consultancy and audits the physical side only. Where the two meet — CCTV recordings and access-control logs are personal data under the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) — the audit checks how that data is kept, who can see it and for how long.
What does a security audit by S.G. Technologies check?
An audit works through the site's existing measures layer by layer and records, with evidence, whether each one is present, working and compliant.
| Area audited | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Perimeter and lighting | Fencing, gates, vehicle and pedestrian entry points, lighting coverage after dark |
| Access control | Who can enter where, visitor handling, key and card control, how leavers are removed |
| CCTV and alarms | Camera coverage against the risks, image quality, recording and retention, alarm response |
| Guard force | Deployment against post orders, supervision, training records, and the contractor's licence under the Police Service (Private Security Organisations) Regulations, 1992 (LI 1571) |
| Procedures and records | Security policy, incident reporting, cash and asset handling, emergency and evacuation procedures |
| Compliance | Status against the standard, policy or regulation the organisation is held to, including insurer or head-office requirements |
The audit observes practice, not just paperwork: a post order that exists but is not followed is recorded as a finding.
Security audit or security risk assessment — which do you need?
The two are often confused. A security risk assessment starts from first principles — assets, threats and vulnerabilities — and decides what protection a site needs. An audit starts from the measures and standards already in place and checks whether they are being met.
| Security risk assessment | Security audit | |
|---|---|---|
| Question answered | What do we need to protect, and from what? | Is what we have working and compliant? |
| Measured against | The site's own risk picture | A defined standard, policy or regulation |
| Best timing | New premises, after an incident, before major spending | Periodically, or when an insurer, regulator or head office asks for evidence |
Most first engagements with S.G. Technologies begin with an assessment; audits then keep the programme honest over time. Where no standard has been set yet, an assessment comes first.
What do you receive?
Every audit by S.G. Technologies produces a written report with the evidence behind each finding: a compliance status for each area audited, a gap analysis against ISO 31000 and the applicable ASIS International standards, and prioritised corrective recommendations that separate what needs capital spending from what only needs a procedure or training change. Because the audit is independent of any equipment or manpower sale, findings are not shaped by what could be sold afterwards.
How often should a security audit be repeated?
S.G. Technologies recommends a full re-audit at least annually, plus a targeted review after any significant change — a new site, a serious incident, a change in regulation or a change in the systems in use. Organisations with many locations usually move to a rolling programme, which is part of ongoing security management.
How much does a security audit cost in Ghana?
The fee depends on the number of sites, their size and complexity, and the standard the audit is measured against. S.G. Technologies scopes each audit individually and provides a fixed written fee after a short briefing, usually within one business day. Request a scoped quote via the assessment intake form.
FAQ
Security Audit in Ghana: frequently asked questions
How long does a security audit take?
Does S.G. Technologies carry out IT or cyber security audits?
Who carries out the audit?
Can you audit our guard company?
Is the audit independent of equipment sales?
Start with the evidence
Tell us about your sites and we'll scope the work within one business day — no obligation.
Request an assessment