Author: Peter Martey Agbeko, APR
The British Council Hall in Accra was the venue for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration on Thursday, May 8, 2025, as the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, hosted the IPR Legends Night, spotlighting one of Ghana’s towering figures in public communication—Mr. Kojo Yankah, FIPR.
A proud alumnus of Adisadel College (a Santaclausian), founder of the African University College of Communications (AUCC), and visionary behind the African Museum project currently in development, Mr. Yankah’s legacy continues to shape the future of public relations and storytelling across the continent.
The night drew an impressive cross-section of society—IPR executives, council members, seasoned practitioners, young professionals, and members of the general public. Notable personalities in attendance included H.E. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, along with the celebrant’s wife, siblings, and extended family.
The session opened with a moving short film chronicling Mr. Yankah’s life journey—from his birth in August 1945 to his trailblazing contributions to media, academia, and public life. Though he turns 80 this year, his youthful energy and clarity of thought defy his age.
In a captivating interview moderated by Ms. Esi Hammond, Chair of the IPR Member Services & Events Committee and a distinguished member of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) Class of 1988, Mr. Yankah offered deeply personal insights. He emphasised the enduring value of integrity, discipline, hard work, and focus, drawing lessons from a career steeped in ethical leadership and national service.
Interestingly, both interviewer and interviewee share a unique connection—Ms. Hammond was a student at GIJ during Mr. Yankah’s tenure as Director. This dynamic added a warm, reflective tone to the evening’s storytelling.
During an open Q&A session, the PR icon responded to a wide range of questions with his trademark poise and wisdom, further reinforcing his status as a mentor and thought leader in the profession.
IPR President, Madam Esther Cobbah, delivered a heartfelt tribute, thanking Mr. Yankah for his lifetime of dedication to elevating the PR profession. She used the occasion to launch IPR’s new Structured Mentorship Programme—a forward-looking initiative aimed at guiding both students and practitioners on their professional journey.
A major announcement came with the news that Ghana will host the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Annual Gala and Conference in October 2025—a historic first. The event is expected to welcome H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and a proud Fellow of IPR Ghana. Even more exciting was the revelation that President Mahama is supporting IPR’s efforts to resolve its long-standing office accommodation challenge—a development that drew thunderous applause.
The IPR will partner with IPRA and the African Public Relations Association (APRA )to host the Gala and Conference in October.
The evening closed with a vibrant networking session, complete with refreshments, as guests mingled and reflected on a night that celebrated not just one man, but the values that make public relations a noble and powerful profession.
IPR Legends Night 2025 has set a high bar—one that celebrates legacy, uplifts the profession, and inspires the next generation.
