IPR bill expected to give PR practitioners legal recognition
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has indicated that the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Bill will soon be assented into law, providing legal recognition, ethical grounding and professional protection for the practice of public relations and its practitioners in Ghana.
Mr Kwakye stated that a significant amount of work has already been completed on the bill, which is currently at the Attorney-General’s Office.
He noted that appropriate recommendations would be made for its consideration by Parliament.
The bill, once passed into law, will establish a Public Relations Council responsible for registering and licensing PR professionals, consultancies and companies, ensuring that industry standards are upheld.
“I will do more than I can to advocate its passage in Parliament. This is a vital step not only for Ghana, but also a signal across Africa that the practice of public relations deserves clear legal recognition, ethical grounding and professional protection,” Mr Kwakye said at the PR knowledge-sharing conference held under the theme Global Realities and Innovative Communication on 3rd October 2025, at the International Conference Centre.
He commended IPR Ghana for creating the platform, describing it as a significant step in shaping the future of communication.
The minister further noted that technology, shifting geopolitics, and environmental and social challenges are rapidly transforming the communication landscape.
“The success and impact of these programmes depend on being understood, accepted, owned and patronised by citizens. Without effective communication, they remain good ideas or policies that people do not know about or cannot understand,” he added.
Mr Ofosu also urged PR practitioners in ministries, departments and agencies to make efficiency and professionalism their hallmarks, as they carry the responsibility of telling the government’s story.
