The Executive Council of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR, Ghana) led by its President Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama.
The IPR, Ghana President on behalf of members of the Institute congratulated President Mahama on his election and expressed the Institute’s pride in having a communication professional and fellow of the Institute as the President of Ghana.
The IPR Ghana President assured of the willingness of the Institute to support him with delivering “the Ghana we want”.
“Mr. President, Where we see the need to put in our voice and put our shoulders to the wheel, we shall not hesitate to do that.”
Ms. Cobbah also briefed the President on the Institute’s activities, including its 50th-anniversary celebration, which commenced in July 2024, highlighting the theme for the anniversary celebration, “Public Relations for Value Creation,” and its focus, on promoting ethical communication for peace building in an election year. She also informed His Excellency about the Institute’s plans to host a knowledge-sharing conference in collaboration with the Africa Public Relations Association (APRA) and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) in October this year, as part of the Golden World Awards Gala to be held by IPRA in Ghana.
The IPR, Ghana President expressed gratitude to President Mahama for his support in the past, and also acknowledged his commitment to the Institute’s growth and development.
She appealed to the President to assist the Institute to establish a permanent office “that befits the status of an Institute that has produced a President for Ghana’. She also indicated that the Institute is looking forward to him signing into law the IPR Ghana Bill that is working its way through Parliament and to his desk.
In his response, President Mahama thanked the IPR Ghana delegation for their kind words and expressed his pride in being a Fellow of the Institute. He emphasized the importance of communication, referencing his own work in communication.
The President noted that communication will play a crucial role in his resetting Ghana agenda. In line with this President Mahama announced plans to modernize the Information Services Department (ISD) which will now operate under the Office of the President. He also announced the intention of his government to upgrade the Ghana News Agency to enable it to respond to the needs of the times. The President emphasized the importance of training and retraining professionals in the face of emerging technologies like AI and new media.
President Mahama highlighted the importance of media freedom as reflected in Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution which he considers one of the most progressive provisions in the country. He gave the assurance that his government will continue to guarantee media freedom.
Regarding the upcoming IPRA global gala and conference, President Mahama expressed his enthusiasm and readiness to support the event.
On the matter of a permanent office space for IPR Ghana, President Mahama considered it a step in the right direction and pledged his utmost support. He offered to be an ambassador for the fundraising efforts to establish a befitting office space for the Institute.
The IPR delegation also included Donald Gwira, the Vice President of the Institute, Executive Committee members, Abraham Otabil, Gabby Nii Otu Ankrah, Solace A. M. Akomeah. The remaining Council members were Abdul Majeed Yussif, Adiki Ayitevie, Charles Nii Ayiku Auiku, Esi Hammond, Ivy Heward Mills, Mawuko Afadzinu, Millicent Atuguba, Nasir Ahmad, Dr. Nafisa Mahama, Peter Agbeko, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Dr. Kwadwo Addo and Dr. Tony Aubynn.
