Participants at the launch
The Institute of Public Relations, Ghana (IPR Ghana) has launched the Annual Edzikanfo Lecture, a new initiative to honour pioneers of the PR profession and draw lessons from their contributions to practice and society.
The maiden edition was held at the British Council Auditorium in Accra, in honour of Mr. Joseph Emmanuel Allotey-Pappoe, popularly known as JEAP.
The former President of IPR Ghana and the African Public Relations Association (APRA) was celebrated for his role in shaping public relations in Ghana and across Africa.
In her welcome address, Esther A. N. Cobbah, FIPR, President of IPR Ghana, said “Edzikanfo” means “those who took the lead; those who paved the way for us.”
She noted that the lecture series will celebrate both living and departed professionals whose experiences offer guidance for the future of the profession. “If we have an Institute of Public Relations Ghana today, it is because of those who paved the way for us,” she stated.
Keynote Speaker, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Immediate Past President of APRA, described JEAP as an institution builder who revived the then Federation of African Public Relations Associations and strengthened collaboration among PR professionals across the continent.
“JEAP understood that leadership was leaving an institution stronger than you found it. He restored belief, united professionals and left a legacy we can build on,” he said.
Dr. Paulina Kuranchie, APR, Lecturer at Newcastle University and one of JEAP’s mentees, highlighted his commitment to mentorship through apprenticeship. She urged practitioners to create opportunities for young professionals to learn, gain experience and uphold ethical standards.
Rev. Kwaku Osei Bimpong, FIPR, a professional colleague of JEAP, recalled his role in establishing the early structures of IPR Ghana, including its constitution, code of ethics, accreditation system and training programmes. He described JEAP as uncompromising on standards and accountability.
Kwesi Afreh Biney, Director-General of SSNIT, where JEAP served for 37 years, pledged the institution’s continued support for the lecture series.
Guest of Honour, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications, officially launched the lecture.
He stressed the need for ethics, professionalism and public trust in communication, adding, “Integrity will never become outdated. Truth will never become obsolete.” He also announced a partnership between his office and IPR Ghana to build the capacity of young communicators.
A major highlight was the presentation of APRA’s Visionary Leader Award plaque to the Allotey-Pappoe family. JEAP was posthumously honoured by APRA at its 50th Anniversary Conference in Mombasa in June 2025.
The family thanked IPR Ghana and APRA for keeping JEAP’s legacy alive. The Annual Edzikanfo Lecture will honour a different PR pacesetter each year.
By Janet Odei Amponsah