Leading Integrated
Communication and Marketing company, Global Media Alliance (GMA), has held its
maiden thought-leadership summit to spearhead the conversation on the shifting
skillset required for the practice of PR.
The plush event, held at the Holiday Inn Hotel on 15th July 2022, was part of
GMA’s series of activities to mark the 2nd edition of World PR Day. The
thought-leadership summit is the first of its kind in Ghana since the World PR
Day Celebration was introduced.
Held under the theme, ‘The Evolution of PR: Shifting Skillset Required of
Today’s PR Professional,’ the event attracted Academia, PR practitioners,
Policymakers, Communication Experts among others.
The two-part event featured a glowing message on the importance of ethics in
the PR practice from the Deputy Minister of Information, Hon. Fatimatu
Abubakar, and a panel session where thought-leaders in the industry deliberated
on how PR professionals can leverage new trends to meet the changing demands of
the professions.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Information Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar,
commended Global Media Alliance for organizing an event that provides the
opportune time and platform to reflect on the critical role of Public Relations
in institutions and the nation.
Highlighting the importance of the tenets of truth, trust and transparency in
the profession, the Minister enunciated how government has shown commitment to
creating a high level of openness in its governance through initiatives and
interventions to ensure public trust and establish a system of transparency.
The minister mentioned government’s efforts in counteracting misinformation
during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The global spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) was accompanied by a wave of
misinformation that was undermining policy responses and amplifying distrust
and concern among citizens. Governments leveraged on public communication to
counteract misinformation and support policy. The efficacy of these actions
depended on grounding them in open government principles, chiefly transparency,
to build trust in public institutions,” she stated.
Hon. Fatima Abubakar further urged all PR professionals in the country to take
up the challenge of ensuring that Trust, Truth and Transparency are employed in
their endeavours.
For his part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Media Alliance, Mr.
Ernest Boateng, said the event is very significant “because it is the first
ever thought leadership event in Ghana to mark the Day and we have to applaud
ourselves for being part of this history.”
Mr. Boateng hinted that “this World PR Day event hosted by GMA will be an
annual activity that will ignite industry conversations on how relevant and
important the use of Public Relations and proper Communication tools are, to
our society, especially in Ghana and the World at large.”
The panel comprising of the President of the Institute of Public Relations,
Mawuko Afadzinu, Lead Consultant for Komskraft Consult, Gayheart Mensah,
Regional Director of Ogilvy Africa Akua Owusu Nartey and Corporate
Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Nestle Ghana, Deborah Kwablah,
discussed and shared ideas on essential skills needed by PR professional in the
industry.
Key takeaways from the discussion included the importance of influencer
marketing in PR campaigns, understanding and incorporating sustainability in
one's projects, social performance that impacts society and builds trust in
your brand, and advocacy in the profession.
Source:
Peacefmonline.com/Ghana