Dignitaries at the launch of IPR @ 50
Deputy Minister of Information, Sylvester Tetteh, has proposed that Public Relations Officers (PROs) of various government agencies and departments should be automatic members of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana.
He believes their membership is the surest way of promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective communication practices within the government information departments.
Speaking at the IPR Ghana 50th anniversary celebration launch, Mr. Tetteh said, “IPR Ghana encourages responsible and effective communication practices and looking at the significant role ISD plays as the principal institution in disseminating government policies, there is a need to strengthen collaborations.”
Mr. Tetteh further indicated that “all PROs supplied by ISD to various government institutions must automatically enroll as members of IPR Ghana. This collaboration will ensure that our PROs remain up-to-date with current trends and practices in PR.”
Addressing the event theme, ‘Public Relations for Value Creation,’ Mr. Tetteh entreated PR professionals to leverage promoting peaceful elections to sustain the country’s democracy.
“As we head towards the December 7 general election, I entreat you all to leverage your capacity and ability as PR professionals to promote peace to sustain the country’s democracy,” he said.
President of IPR, Esther Ambah Numaba Cobbah, said the 50th occasion is “designed to enable members to share the joy of our profession, network, build and deepen professional and social bonds while sharing knowledge and enhancing the reputation of the profession.”
She was of the view that PR professionals must be cognisant that Ghana’s political season is here, hence the need to promote ethical communication for peaceful elections.
The anniversary launch also witnessed the investiture and swearing-in of elected executive members of the IPR. They include Esther Ambah Numaba Cobbah, President; Donald Gwira, Vice President; Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah, Treasurer; Abraham Otabil, Deputy Honorary Secretary; and Solace Akomeah, Honorary Secretary.
The 50th anniversary celebration will be packed with activities, including community engagement on environmental conservation, time with PR students, IPR Community Gathering, where all members will wear IPR T-shirts and enjoy knowledge enhancement through humor- a fun-filled activity, titled, “Oops! What Happened?”
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke