IPR Ghana Celebrates Excellence at 2025 Annual Summit

The Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana has concluded its 7th Annual Summit, a two-day event held from November 14th to 15th at the Western Serene Atlantic Hotel in Takoradi.

The summit encompassed a conference, the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM), and an Excellence Awards ceremony, all aimed at recognising outstanding contributions to the public relations profession in Ghana.

The event kicked off on Thursday, November 14th, with a keynote address from Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhen of the Essikado Traditional Area and President of the Western Region House of Chiefs. He stressed the importance of communication professionals grounding their work in African identity, values, and experiences.

“Any knowledge that enhances your comfort but weakens your consciousness is not worth taking in. Communicators and PR professionals are on the front line. If you lose your consciousness, the nation loses its voice,” Nana Kobina Nketsia V remarked.

The following morning saw the convening of the AGM, where members reviewed the Institute’s progress over the past year and strategised for the future. IPR Ghana President, Esther A. N. Cobbah, FIPR, highlighted the need for adaptation in a rapidly changing global landscape.

“While the core principles of Public Relations endure, our world is shifting. We must rethink our approaches, honour our ethical responsibility, and evolve our capabilities to meet the needs of our time,” she noted.

During the summit, 155 individuals were inducted into the IPR Ghana membership categories – Associate, Intermediate, and Accredited. The culmination of the event was the Excellence Awards ceremony on Friday, November 15th, preceded by a Legends Night honouring Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, FIPR, for his significant impact on the communications industry and national development.

Dr. Spio-Garbrah, reflecting on his career, encouraged practitioners to embrace authenticity and courage. “Many hesitate to show who they truly are, yet real growth begins when we embrace our identity and speak boldly about our ideas. Authenticity, courage and consistency are what build credibility and influence,” he stated.

Ms. Adiki O. Ayitevie, Chair of the Professional Awards Committee, praised the high calibre of submissions received this year, noting it reflected the increasing innovation and sophistication within the industry.

The award recipients were:

• Best Community Relations Programme of the Year – Karpowership Ghana Company Ltd
• Best in Crisis Communication – MTN Ghana
• Best in Non‑Profit Communication – WaterAid Ghana
• Best Promotional Event – Vivo Energy Ghana
• Best in Environmental and Climate Change Communication – Strategic Communications Africa Ltd (Stratcomm Africa)
• Digital and Social Media Communications Campaign of the Year – Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
• Corporate Communications Award – MTN Ghana
• PR Campaign of the Year – Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
• PR Organisation of the Year (Public Sector) – Ministry of Roads and Highways
• PR Organisation of the Year (Telecommunications) – MTN Ghana
• PR Organisation of the Year (Commercial) – Vivo Energy Ghana
• PR Organisation of the Year – Energy and Utilities – Karpowership Ghana Company Ltd
• Most Outstanding PR Agency / Consultancy of the Year – Leonant Yert
• Most Outstanding Student Chapter – UPSA IPR, Ghana Chapter
• PR Discovery of the Year – Kenneth Aidam
• Internal Communicator of the Year – Sandra Amarquaye
• PR Lifetime Achievement Award – Kojo Yankah
• PR Practitioner / PR Personality of the Year – Shirley Tony Kum

IPR Ghana extended its congratulations to all awardees and acknowledged the commitment of all professionals and organisations who participated in the awards process.

Established in 1972 and operating under the Professional Bodies Registration Decree (NRCD 143), IPR Ghana serves as the regulatory and professional development body for public relations in Ghana, dedicated to fostering excellence, ethical conduct, and capacity building within the communication sector.

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