IPR Ghana seeks Presidential support for permanent office

The Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, led by its President, Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah, recently paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

During the meeting, Ms. Cobbah congratulated President Mahama on his election victory and expressed the Institute’s pride in having a communication professional and fellow of the Institute as the nation’s leader.

A significant highlight of the discussion was Ms. Cobbah’s appeal for assistance in establishing a permanent office for IPR Ghana. She emphasized the importance of having a facility that reflects the Institute’s stature, especially considering it has produced a President for the country. Ms. Cobbah stated, “We believe that having a permanent office will not only enhance our operations but also serve as a testament to the pivotal role public relations plays in national development.”

In response, President Mahama acknowledged the request and expressed his commitment to supporting the initiative. He proposed a collaborative effort between the government and IPR Ghana to secure a suitable site for the construction of the office complex, drawing parallels to similar support extended to the Ghana Journalists Association. The President remarked, “We will work together to identify and secure a location that befits the status of IPR Ghana, ensuring that the Institute has a permanent home to continue its invaluable work.”

This development underscores the government’s recognition of the essential role that professional bodies like IPR Ghana play in shaping effective communication strategies and promoting ethical standards within the country. The establishment of a permanent office is anticipated to bolster the Institute’s capacity to contribute more significantly to national discourse and policy formulation.

The meeting also touched upon other areas of collaboration, including the upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations of IPR Ghana and potential partnerships to enhance public relations practices across various sectors. Both parties expressed optimism about the future and a shared commitment to advancing the profession in Ghana. As IPR Ghana continues to champion excellence in public relations, the anticipated support from the government in establishing a permanent office marks a pivotal step towards strengthening the profession’s infrastructure and its impact on national development.