Esther A. N. Cobbah, Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Communication Africa (Stratcomm Africa), was recognised as ‘Public Relations Personality’ credited with ‘stellar achievements in communications’, and for ‘her contribution to the development of the profession in Africa’ at the 9th edition of As de la Communication (ASCOM) – an annual African communication event held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The event was attended by policy-makers, industry giants and professionals in communication.
ASCOM, a platform for exchange and sharing of skills in communication, brings together seasoned experts and personalities in the communication industry in Africa. The main objective of this annual event is to inject dynamism into the communication industry and encourage companies and institutions to make communication an important performance lever.
Responding to the award, Ms. Cobbah remarked: “There is no doubt about the value that communication has for Africa’s development. I am referring to a systematic, scientific and professional approach to communication which is vital for its effectiveness. It is satisfying to see that more and more attention is being paid to the value of communication in our various countries”. She congratulated other award-winners, and hoped that: “We will continue to establish a network of professional communication excellence on the continent of Africa”.
Other award-winners included Orange, Côte d’Ivoire for excellence in digital communication. Lifetime Achievement Award also went to Ms. Stephane Fouks of the Havas Group; Ms. Zenab Badawi, formerly of BBC World News and currently Managing Director of Kush Communications; and Mr. Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers, President and Founder of the Mazarine Group.
Michel Russel Lohoré, the brain behind ASCOM, said: “ASCOM honours companies, institutions and communities whose achievements are imprinted with resilience, and bring hope for the future of our magnificent profession”.
Sharon Anim, Manager, PR and Communications at Stratcomm Africa, says: “Stratcomm Africa is proud of the international recognition of our founder in Africa and beyond. Stratcomm Africa continues to unleash excellence in deploying our communication expertise to achieve the impacts that our clients require for their success”.
The Stratcomm Africa founder and CEO has won numerous awards over the years, including Media Entrepreneur of the Year – 2010, ( Entrepreneurs Foundation) Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) Marketing Woman of the Year – 2012, IPR Personality of the Year – 2013 ( Institute of Public Relations, Ghana), 2015 Top 50 Women in PR (PR News, New York), Female Business Leadership Award – 2017 (International Summit on African Leadership, New York USA), CSR CEO of the Year – 2017 (Centre for CSR West Africa).
She is the first African South of the Sahara to be appointed to the Board of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). She also serves on the Governing Council of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana (IPR), and was previously on the Council of the Advertisers Association of Ghana (AAG).
