Author: Peter Martey Agbeko || APR
On a bright January afternoon in Accra, the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, made an indelible mark at the highest echelons of power. At the Flagstaff House, home to Ghana’s President, a delegation led by IPR President Esther AmbaNumaba Cobbah engaged His Excellency John Dramani Mahama in a courtesy call that was as momentous as it was inspiring.
President Mahama, a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute and a communication professional at heart, warmly received the delegation. In his dual role as a statesman and public relations advocate, the President demonstrated an appreciation for the transformative power of communication in nation-building.
Esther Cobbah’s speech was a rallying cry for the profession, a heartfelt plea to integrate public relations into Ghana’s national development agenda. Her words carried the weight of decades of advocacy, encapsulating IPR’s mission to build a strong, united community of communication professionals whose voice resonates not just nationally but globally.
Celebrating the IPR’s Legacy and Vision
Ms. Cobbah began by congratulating President Mahama on his re-election and underscored the pride of IPR members in having one of their own as President. “Your election has undoubtedly added to the honour of being a member of this noble profession,” she remarked, capturing the sentiment of an entire industry.
Reflecting on IPR Ghana’s journey, she highlighted the on-going 50th-anniversary celebrations under the theme, Public Relations for Value Creation. She detailed how the Institute had actively contributed to national cohesion through initiatives like Speak Truth for Peace, a campaign promoting ethical communication during election periods.
She also announced the reinstatement of IPR Week, aligned with World PR Day, and outlined ambitious plans for 2025. These include sessions with public and private sector leaders to spotlight the value of public relations in governance and corporate environments.
A Global Spotlight on Ghana
A major highlight of the visit was Cobbah’s announcement of Ghana as the host of the prestigious International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Global Awards Gala in October 2025. This event will bring the world’s top PR professionals to Accra, offering a platform to showcase Ghana’s strides in economic, social, and political development.
Cobbah extended a formal invitation to President Mahama to be the Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the event’s potential to position Ghana as a hub for international dialogue and collaboration. She emphasised the collaboration between IPR, the African Public Relations Association (APRA), and IPRA, calling it a testament to the global relevance of public relations.
IPR’s Call to Service
In her speech, Cobbah reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to national service, offering IPR’s expertise to support government communication strategies. She also appealed for a permanent office space for the Institute, signalling the need for infrastructure befitting an organisation with such national and international significance.
In a poignant moment, she noted the providential nature of President Mahama’s role in the forthcoming legislation to establish IPR Ghana as a Chartered Institute. “We have no doubt that this historic step will be under your hand,” she declared, drawing attention to the enduring partnership between IPR and the government.
Building Bridges through Communication
This courtesy call was more than a ceremonial visit—it was a statement of purpose. It underscored the role of public relations as a catalyst for development and a bridge between leaders and the public.
As Ghana prepares to host the IPRA Gala, the IPR stands ready to showcase the transformative power of communication. Esther Cobbah’s stirring address at the Flagstaff House was not just a celebration of past achievements; it was a vision for a future where public relations drives meaningful change.
With leaders like President Mahama and advocates like Cobbah at the helm, the future of public relations in Ghana shines brightly, promising to inspire a new generation of communicators committed to excellence, ethics, and impact.
