IPR, Ghana organises annual summit and awards excellence

The Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, held its 7^th Annual Summit comprising a conference, 31^st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Excellence Awards at the Western Serene Atlantic Hotel, Takoradi, from 14^th – 15^th November 2025.

The conference got underway on the afternoon of Thursday, 14^th November 2025 with a stirring address by the key note speaker, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhen of the Essikado traditional area and President of the Western Region House of Chiefs.

Offering “Reflections on communication to build communities and the nation”, Nana encouraged participants to ground their work in African reality, values and consciousness, rather than using the perspectives of colonisers.

He noted that “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.”

The morning of Friday, 15^th November saw members of the institute come together to review the operations of the institute in the past year and chart the path ahead. Giving account of the work of the Institute as well as some direction for the future, President of IPR Ghana, Esther A.N. Cobbah, FIPR said, “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.

The relevance of our profession depends on our ability to respond with integrity, creativity, and purpose to the realities of our national and global contexts.”

A total of 155 newly qualified members were also formally inducted into the Associate, Intermediate, and Accredited membership categories of the Institute.

The evening of 15^th November was dedicated to honouring excellence in Public Relations. Ahead of the Excellence Awards, the Institute held a Legends Night, where Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, FIPR, was celebrated as the Legend and honoured for his contributions to the profession and to the nation. In his remarks, Dr Spio-Garbrah emphasised the power of authenticity and courage, noting:

“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.”

The Excellence Awards showcased not just outstanding campaigns, but the creativity, discipline, and strategic insight that continue to shape the future of communication in Ghana.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Adiki O. Ayitevie, Chair of the Professional Awards Committee, commended the depth and quality of entries, stating:
“The work reviewed this year demonstrates the maturity of our profession. Each awardee has shown how strategic PR can drive real change and deliver value to organisations and communities alike.”

Organisations and individuals who received awards in different categorieswere:

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 & 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 & Utilities (Energy) – Karpowership Ghana Company Ltd