Author: Peter Martey Agbeko, Chair of the International Relations Committee, Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana.
TAKORADI – As the Atlantic breeze swept through the Western Serene Hotel on Friday evening, Ghana’s communication professionals gathered for an extraordinary celebration of excellence, legacy, and the power of authentic storytelling.
The Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana’s 2025 National Summit and Annual General Meeting, held from 13th to 15th November under the theme “Reimagining Public Relations in a Contemporary World,” transformed into something far more profound than a professional gathering. It became a moment of reflection, inspiration, and rededication to values that define not just a profession, but a nation’s narrative.
The evening of Friday, November 14, stood out as particularly memorable. Following a successful Annual General Meeting that saw members deliberate on strategic priorities for the year ahead, the atmosphere shifted from boardroom formality to celebratory warmth. The Induction Ceremony welcomed newly qualified members into the professional fold, their faces beaming with pride as they took their place amongst seasoned practitioners.
A Legend Speaks Truth
Then came the Legends’ Night – a moment that would resonate long after the applause faded. Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, honoured as the Legend of the evening, stepped forward to share wisdom forged through decades of distinguished service.
The former Minister of Education, Minister of Communications, and Ghana’s youngest-ever Ambassador to the United States had something urgent to tell the communication professionals before him.
“Too many people hesitate to show their true selves,” Dr Spio-Garbrah began, his voice carrying the weight of experience. “Particularly within their communities or professional circles. This fear can significantly limit personal and professional growth.”
His message was uncompromising: authenticity is power. Don’t hide who you are; let your true self guide your actions. Courage matters. Growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone and speaking up boldly about your ideas.
“Community perception shouldn’t limit you,” he continued. “Focus on your vision, not just what others think. Consistency builds respect – being genuine over time earns credibility and influence.”
The room fell silent as professionals absorbed these words. Dr Spio-Garbrah, who had worked as chairman of the Middle East Africa Group within Hill and Knowlton in New York and served as Head of Communications at the African Development Bank, spoke from a depth of experience that commanded attention.
A Paramount Chief’s Charge
Earlier in the summit, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of the Essikado Traditional Area and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, had delivered an equally powerful message. “PR is the most effective tool we have,” he told the gathering, “but our greatest tool is our mindset.”
His final point lingered in the air: “Whoever controls the image controls the destiny.” For a nation still defining its place in a globalised world, still determining which stories to tell about itself, this truth carried particular urgency.
Excellence Takes Centre Stage
As night descended, the IPR Excellence Awards ceremony transformed the ballroom into a celebration of innovation, integrity, and outstanding achievement. One by one, organisations and individuals who had demonstrated exemplary communication prowess stepped forward.
MTN Ghana emerged as a dominant force, claiming awards for Best in Crisis Communication, Corporate Communications, and PR Organisation of the Year in Telecommunications – a testament to consistent excellence across multiple fronts.
Karpowership Ghana Company Ltd shone brightly, winning both Best Community Relations Programme of the Year and PR Organisation of the Year in Energy and Utilities, demonstrating that effective communication builds bridges between business and community.
The Ghana Revenue Authority’s digital transformation efforts earned recognition with two prestigious awards: Digital and Social Media Communications Campaign of the Year, and the coveted PR Campaign of the Year.
Vivo Energy’s creative prowess was acknowledged with awards for Best Promotional Event and PR Organisation of the Year in the Commercial sector. Their ability to engage audiences through innovative approaches set new standards for the industry.
Environmental consciousness took centre stage as Stratcom Africa won Best in Environmental and Climate Change Communication, whilst WaterAid Ghana claimed Best in Non-profit Communication, proving that purpose-driven organisations can communicate powerfully.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways received the PR Organisation of the Year in the Public Sector award, whilst Leonant Yert was recognised as the Most Outstanding PR Agency.
Individual excellence shone through as well. Kenneth Aidam was named PR Discovery of the Year, whilst Sandra Amarquaye took home Internal Communicator of the Year. The UPSA IPR Chapter was celebrated as Most Outstanding Student Chapter, and Shirley Tony Kum claimed the ultimate honour: PR Practitioner of the Year.
IPR Ghana President Esther A. N. Cobbah had noted in her opening remarks that the Institute’s ‘Speak Truth for Peace’ campaign was especially relevant during the country’s general election season, and throughout the awards, this commitment to ethical communication was evident.
A Living Legend Honoured
A particularly poignant moment came when veteran journalist and communication expert Kojo Yankah received the PR Lifetime Achievement Award. His decades of dedication to professional journalism and public relations had shaped generations of communicators, and the standing ovation that greeted his recognition spoke volumes about his impact.
Gratitude and Forward Vision
As the evening drew to a close, there was much to celebrate. Congratulations poured forth for the newly inducted members, beginning their professional journeys with inspiration from giants who had walked before them. Dr Spio-Garbrah’s legend status was richly deserved, his words a compass for navigating authenticity in an age of image management.
The event organisers, particularly the committee responsible for events, deserved immense credit for orchestrating a near seamless three-day summit that balanced professional development, strategic planning, celebration, and inspiration. Their attention to detail ensured that every moment – from conference sessions to the glittering awards night – reflected the excellence IPR, Ghana seeks to promote.
To all participants who travelled to Takoradi, who engaged in difficult conversations about the future of public relations in a changing world, who networked and learned and shared: thank you. Your presence made the summit what it was – not just a gathering, but a community affirming its values.
And finally, gratitude to the Almighty Father, whose grace and blessings enabled this successful event. From the safe journeys of participants to the seamless execution of activities, from the inspiration that flowed through speakers to the fellowship that bound attendees together, divine favour was evident.
As Ghana’s image makers departed Takoradi, they carried with them renewed commitment: to be authentic, to be courageous, to tell stories that build rather than fracture, and to remember that those who control the image indeed control the destiny.
The question now is: will they rise to claim that destiny?
