Transcript Slide 1
Introduction
Public Relations in Ghana evolved out of
journalism which was actually taught at the
Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).
Most PR officers in government institutions
were information officers from the Ministry of
Information.
The actual training of PR practitioners started
in late 1980s to early 1990s on a part time
basis at the GIJ
PR has evolved over the years in Ghana as a
result of the need for institutions to disseminate
information to its target audiences
It has also come about as result of the
sophisticated and proliferation of media who
seeks at any point in time to communicate with
stakeholders in various sectors in the country
The presence of multi national companies has
also contributed to the development of PR
profession in Ghana.
There has been an emergence of PR programs
in institutions of higher learning in the
country.
The membership and linkages of PR
practitioners to international PR associations
has also enhanced the practice in Ghana
Practitioners in the field have had the
opportunity to train abroad, thus enhancing
the practice in Ghana
Ghana has its own PR Association (IPR, Ghana)
The importance of PR in the activities of the
Commission cannot be overemphasized in
the performance of its role as a utility
regulator in the country
The Commission uses the PR platform to:
Engage its stakeholders in meaningful
dialogue and in close discourse
Educate its publics on issues regarding utility
regulation in the country
Communicate effectively with the media with
the view to engender positive and accurate
reportage about the Commission
Enhance internal communication
Publish Public/Consumer educational
materials
Stakeholder reaction to interventions and
involvement are mixed and varied
Media communication (Press Corp as
antidote)
Community participation and education
(antagonism)
Stereotype into Tariff Setting organisation
Mistrust (eyeing, gestures, suspicion,
skepticism)
Consumer alertness (Pro active education)
Exhibitions and Trade Fair (courting the
consumer)
Public and Consumer threats
Reactions to PR activities by the Utilities
Building Inter Personal Relationships (useful
contacts)
PURC has evolved to a level where PR has
become prominent in the affairs of the
institution.
Internal Communication between the PR and
other departments have been strengthened
through cooperation and collaboration
PR has moved from a desk to a department
within the Commission
Information sharing from the top to the PR
has also improved
Participation in meetings (Commission)
Internal information flow (notice board)
Overlapping functions regarding internal
communication and its effects
Staff involvement in PR activities
Lack of adequate funding
Lack of logistics
Requisite staff
Acceptance
Delays in execution of PR activities
The Commission will continue to support PR
activities for effective enhancement of
stakeholder participation and communication
for its regulatory mandate