Looking at the beautiful mountain with a serene and greener atmosphere, I find myself at the magnificent Rock City Hotel, arguably the biggest hotel in Africa, located inside Kwahu in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
I’m here with my colleague Bridget Mensah, PR Executive, representing Global Media Alliance at the 2023 National PR & Communication Summit and Annual General Meeting organized by the Institute of Public Relations (IPR Ghana).
As first-timers, Bridget and I were very excited when we were selected to attend the IPR AGM & Summit. Why? The reason is simple. This is where industry practitioners meet to discuss and share ideas about the growth of the PR profession in Ghana. Also important, is to network and meet new people in the industry.
So far…So very good. It’s been interactive with frank and constructive conversations – all in the interest of pushing the profession to new heights.
Themed “Staying Credible Through Rough Patches”, the President of IPR Ghana, Mawuko Afadzinu encouraged practitioners to stay professional and be truthful in the delivery of their work. “We are in the credibility business. We are in a business that is built on relationships and trust. So, it is important for us to take charge and guard that.”
Let me bring a rundown of what happened on day one.
DAY ONE: KEY HIGHLIGHTS & QUOTES
1ST PANEL SESSION: Staying Credible Through Rough Patches – Moderated by Dzifa Bampoh, Head of Communications at Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo)
“We are in the perception-building era. To build trust and credibility, you have to ensure that the way people perceive you, the way you engage people, and the way you are able to address the room, will actually bring confidence to your organization” – Moliehi Molekoa, Managing Director of Magna Carta.
“PR practitioners need to realize that the issue of trust and credibility is very important because if you stay untrue, in the long run, the spinning will catch up with you. We are not in the business of spin doctrine.” – Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Telecoms Chamber.
“As practitioners, our growth depends on us. If you’re in an organization and no one sees you as improving yourself, you will always be there and stuck. Bring value to the organization and respect will be accorded to you” – Brigadier General Eric Aggrey Quarshie, Director General of Public Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
2ND PANEL SESSION: PR in the boardroom. C-Suite insights – Moderated by Kwame Gyan, Deputy Director – Consumer and Corporate Affairs Division at National Communications Authority (Ghana)
“For an organization to have an effective PR paradigm, leadership should not see the PR person as a peripheral operator.” – Amb. Kabral Blay Amihere, Board Chair of GRIDCo
“Thrive beyond being a PR professional to be an expert in your working industry to be considered a strategic partner.” – Mawuko Afadzinu, President of IPR Ghana.
“It is important for a CEO of an organization to understand the work of the PR department. It enhances smooth working relationship and expectation.” – Dr. Afua Asabea Asare – Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).
The Excellence Speech
Before the last panel session for Day One, Mr. Joel Nettey, CEO, Innova DDB, Ghana and the first African to become the World President of the International Advertising Association (IAA) gave a powerful speech about excellence. And takeaways from that speech were “Almost doesn’t count” and “I never lose. It either I win or I learn”.
3RD PANEL SESSION: Becoming the difference by raising the bar of excellence – Moderated by Cynthia O. Dwumfuo – Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Hollard Insurance
“If you are not afraid enough, then you are not pushing hard enough” – Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Telecoms Chamber.
“Don’t be afraid to try. Fear limits your vision to achieving excellence” – Joel Nettey, CEO, Innova DDB.
“If you want to show excellence… it’s about impact.” – Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication.
Brigadier General…We Salute You!
The day couldn’t have ended without saluting the feat chalked by Brigadier General Eric Aggrey Quarshie. He is the first communications specialist to rise to the status of a Brigadier General in the Ghana Military. He is also the first Direct-General of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ghana Military.
What a day it was!
Check out my Day Two Diary coming soon.
Written By Ekow Quandzie, Assistant Head of PR, Global Media Alliance
LinkedIn: Ekow Quandzie
Twitter: @whyalwaysekow
