By Stanley Senya
Accra, Aug. 22, GNA – The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has inaugurated the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, Student Chapter, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to excellence in public relations practice.
Professor Mavis Amo-Mensah, Head of Department, Strategic Communication (STRATCOM) acknowledged the inspiring leadership and commitment of IPR, Ghana towards excellence in PR practice over the past 50 years.
The event organised by the Department of STRATCOM at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room drew a distinguished gathering of PR luminaries to UEW.
She said the launch, which would introduce UEW students to the professional body of public relations practitioners in Ghana would offer opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development.
Prof. Amo-Mensah said there was a need for collaboration between the UEW IPR, Ghana Student Chapter and IPR-Ghana in continuing to establish programmes that enhance the skill sets of PR students.
She said the partnership would foster knowledge-sharing and contribute to the growth of PR practice in Ghana and beyond.
Prof. Albert Agbesi Wornyo, Dean of the School of Communication and Media Studies (SCMS) at UEW, said there were three key benefits of joining the IPR Student Chapter.
There are networking opportunities, professional growth, and staying abreast of current trends in the profession.
Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah, President of IPR, urged UEW Strategic Communication students to take charge of their future and become valuable assets in their field.
She said there was a need for young professionals to deepen their knowledge in public relations, read beyond theories, and demonstrate value to earn respect.
Ms Cobbah encouraged the students to focus on growing technical PR knowledge and build their skills for employing communication to meet human needs and thereby earn relevance, rather than relying solely on their certificates.
She highlighted the importance of mentorship, announcing the enhancement of the design of IPR, Ghana’s mentorship programmes to include broad, group, and individual mentorships.
Ms. Cobbah shared her professional journey, emphasising the need for intellectual hard work, creativity, and analytical thinking in the public relations profession.
She encouraged young professionals to turn challenges into opportunities, citing IPR-Ghana’s focus on ethical communication for peacebuilding in the upcoming elections.
Ms Cobbah, who is also the CEO of Stratcomm Africa, said there was a need for professionals to contribute to Ghana’s development, Africa’s unity, and world peace.
She urged young professionals to join IPR, Ghana, the community of excellent professionals with an impactful voice nationally, continentally and globally.
She charged the new executives to serve with integrity, honesty, and transparency.
The launch was attended by guests, including Mr Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association; Mr Samuel Mutahi, Assistant Treasurer of the Public Relations Society of Kenya; and Ms Ivy Heward-Mills, Chair of the IPR Ghana Student Chapter.
GNA