The Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, has launched its 50th-anniversary commemoration activities with renewed interest in promoting professionalism and ethical standards within the public relations industry, particularly during the upcoming election season.
Since its inception, IPR Ghana has played a pivotal role in fostering excellence and integrity in the practice of public relations across various sectors as the leading advocate for professionalism and ethical standards.
The 50th Anniversary celebration, themed “PR for Value Creation,” emphasizes the importance of ethical communication in promoting peace, particularly in an election year.
With a steadfast commitment to promoting excellence and best practices in public relations, IPR Ghana recognizes the importance of maintaining ethical standards in every aspect of communication and engagement, especially as the country heads into the general election.
President-IPR Ghana and Founder of Strategic Communication (Stratcomm) Africa, Esther Cobbah, speaking at the anniversary launch, on the topic “Essence and Ethics of Public Relations,” echoed that as a professional body representing practitioners in the field, IPR Ghana sets a benchmark for ethical conduct, transparency, and integrity.
“Members of IPR are delighted to be celebrating 50 years of our Institute. For us, this is a good opportunity to further strengthen our Institute, deepen professional bonds, and make even more impact nationally, continentally, and globally.
“Within the public relations industry, the institute is committed to ensuring members adhere to ethical standards and epitomize professionalism,” she said.
She emphasised that highlighting the importance of ethical communication is crucial to how we build and maintain confidence in what we have to offer in all contexts. New technologies and tools are important but they must be developed based on ethical foundations.
As the nation gears up for significant political processes in the coming months, IPR Ghana recognizes the critical importance of upholding ethical principles and professional conduct in all communications efforts.
The institute has lined up some activities for the commemoration including community engagement on environmental conservation across the regions, time with the students, and an evening of knowledge enhancement through humour with members of the institute.
Deputy Minister of Information, Sylvester Tetteh, in his remarks as a special guest of honour at the anniversary launch, touted the IPR for promoting standards and ensuring accuracy in communication whilst discouraging misinformation over the years.
He urged the Institute to leverage ethical standards and professionalism to preach and enhance peace in the country at all times, especially regarding the upcoming elections.
On his part, John Awuah, President of the Association of Bankers, highlighted that IPR has been a very reliable stakeholder in the banking industry and played a key role in brand transformation and positioning. This, he said, has led to the creation of some strong brands in the industry today.
He commended past and present executives for laying the foundation and putting up a solid structure with a good governance model to ensure the institute grows from strength to strength.
The anniversary launch was held concurrently with the swearing into office of the newly elected executives led by Esther Cobbah, as the president.
