UEW inaugurates Institute of Public Relations student chapter

The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has officially inaugurated the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, student chapter.

The event organised by the Department of Strategic Communication (STRATCOM) at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room on Thursday, August 15, 2024, drew a gathering of PR luminaries to UEW.

Prof. Mavis Amo-Mensah, Head of Department, STRATCOM, acknowledged the inspiring leadership and commitment of IPR, Ghana towards excellence in PR practice over the past 50 years. 

She emphasised the significance of the launch, which would introduce UEW students to the professional body of public relations practitioners in Ghana, offering opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional development. 

Prof. Amo-Mensah highlighted the importance of enduring 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 noted her expectation of a fruitful partnership, fostering knowledge-sharing and contributing to the growth of PR practice in Ghana and beyond. She further expressed happiness and gratitude for the successful launch of the UEW student chapter. 

Prof. Albert Agbesi Wornyo, Dean of the School of Communication and Media Studies (SCMS) at UEW and Chairman of the event, highlighted three key benefits of joining the IPR student chapter, being networking opportunities, professional growth, and staying abreast of current trends in the profession. 

The Special Guest for the event, Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah, President of IPR, Ghana and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Strategic Communication Africa Ltd. (Stratcomm Africa), urged UEW strategic communication students to take charge of their future and become valuable assets in their field. She explained the 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 also build their skills for employing communication for meeting 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, stressing 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.  

The CEO of Stratcomm Africa also mentioned the 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. 

Swearing in the Executives of UEW IPR student Chapter, Ms Cobbah charged them to serve with integrity, honesty, and transparency. 

The launch was attended by guests, including Mr. Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association (AFPRA); Mr. Samuel Mutahi, Assistant Treasurer of the Public Relations Society of Kenya; and Ms. Ivy Heward-Mills, Chair of the IPR Ghana Student Chapter. Coordinating committee.