Accra, Ghana – The Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, has announced an extensive line-up of events to commemorate this year’s World Public Relations Day on July 16, under the global theme: “Building Bridges and Navigating Polarisation.” The activities, which span the entire month of July, aim to promote the critical role of PR in nation-building, transparency, and bridging societal divides in an age of misinformation and institutional distrust.
World Public Relations Day is celebrated annually on July 16 to honour the birth of Ivy Lee, widely regarded as the father of modern public relations. It provides a platform for PR professionals around the world to reflect on their contributions to governance, communication, and development.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, IPR Ghana President, Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah, emphasized the urgency of this year’s theme. “As a country and indeed as a global community, we face increasing polarisation across sectors. PR professionals must rise to the occasion to build trust, ensure transparency, and facilitate meaningful dialogue among stakeholders.”
The Institute’s month-long program of events reflects its commitment to not only celebrating the PR profession but also positioning it as a key driver of development in Ghana. Activities include webinars, national forums, outreach to students, and strategic collaborations with government agencies such as the DVLA and Ghana Health Service.
Among the headline events is a high-level Executive Breakfast Meeting which will bring together CEOs, government ministers, and top policymakers to explore how PR can help address institutional trust deficits. In addition, a flagship webinar titled “PR and Our Stakeholders – Bridging the Gap” will provide an interactive platform for professionals to share best practices.
Peter Martey Agbeko, Chair of IPR’s International Relations Committee and a member of the Governing Council, said the celebration is not merely ceremonial. “These initiatives reflect IPR Ghana’s commitment to elevating the profession, building national capacity, and advancing the strategic relevance of PR in governance and development.”
Another major highlight is the inauguration of IPR’s Northern and Middle Belt Chapters, aimed at strengthening the Institute’s nationwide footprint. The move is part of broader efforts to decentralize professional development and encourage regional participation in the industry.
The IPR is also launching a national survey that will assess the development needs and aspirations of young PR professionals. This survey is intended to guide future training and mentoring initiatives, especially as more young people seek careers in strategic communication.
To support the broader Ghanaian community, the Institute will roll out community impact projects, including pro bono PR services for underserved institutions and NGOs. According to the Executive Secretary, Esenam Agyekumhene, “This is part of our effort to give back and demonstrate the transformative power of effective communication.”
The celebration also coincides with IPR Ghana’s participation in the inaugural conference of the National and Regional Public Relations Officers of the Ghana Health Service—further emphasizing the Institute’s role in promoting health communication, especially in the post-pandemic era.
As part of its outreach to the next generation of communicators, IPR Ghana will hold a series of youth-focused engagements at universities and communication training centres. These sessions will feature seasoned PR professionals and thought leaders who will mentor students on ethics, reputation management, crisis communication, and more.
A digital campaign will run simultaneously to spotlight the relevance of PR across different sectors—from governance and business to education and healthcare. This campaign will utilize social media, opinion editorials, and media interviews to raise awareness of the profession’s evolving role.
Ms. Cobbah concluded with a call to action: “Public relations is more than messaging—it’s about building enduring relationships. This World PR Day, we encourage all stakeholders—governments, media, private sector, and civil society—to work with PR professionals to bridge divides and drive meaningful change.”
IPR Ghana has invited all its members, partners, and the general public to join in the celebration, which promises to be one of the most impactful editions in recent memory.
Below is the full press release from the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana:
IPR Ghana Announces Activities to Celebrate World Public Relations Day 2025
Theme: “Building Bridges and Navigating Polarisation”
Accra, Ghana – The Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, has unveiled a robust line-up of activities to mark this year’s World Public Relations Day, celebrated globally on July 16. This year’s theme, “Building Bridges and Navigating Polarisation,” underscores the critical role of public relations in combating misinformation and rebuilding trust in institutions.
World Public Relations Day is observed annually to highlight the contributions of the PR profession to society, particularly in the areas of transparency, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement. The July 16 celebration commemorates the birth of Ivy Lee, widely regarded as the father of modern public relations.
Month-Long Activities Across the Country
Under the leadership of IPR Ghana President Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah, the Institute has outlined a series of activities throughout the month of July to engage practitioners, students, stakeholders, and the general public:
- Webinar: “PR and Our Stakeholders – Bridging the Gap”
- Executive Breakfast Meeting: With CEOs, government ministers, and high-level decision-makers
- Panel Discussions and Thought Leadership Forums: Focusing on truth-telling, governance, and development communication
- Youth and Student Engagements: Outreach to communication and journalism students nationwide
- Media Collaborations: Nationwide interviews, features, and op-eds to raise PR awareness
- IPR Community Impact Projects: Pro bono PR support for NGOs and underserved institutions
- Celebrating IPR’s National Footprint: Inauguration of Northern and Middle Belt Chapters
- National Survey: On the aspirations and development needs of young PR professionals
- Strategic Partnerships: With the DVLA and Ghana Health Service for thought leadership and advocacy
- Digital Campaign: Promoting the strategic value of public relations across sectors
- Participation: In the maiden conference of the National and Regional Public Relations Officers of Ghana Health Service
“These initiatives reflect IPR Ghana’s commitment to elevating the profession, building national capacity, and advancing the strategic relevance of PR in governance and development,” said Peter Martey Agbeko, Chair of IPR’s International Relations Committee and member of the Governing Council.
About Institute of Public Relations, Ghana
The Institute of Public Relations, Ghana (IPR, Ghana), is a professional body for public relations practitioners in Ghana. It was founded in 1972 and registered as a professional body under the Professional Bodies Registration Decree, 1973 (NRCD 143). Among its roles, IPR Ghana exists to provide a professional structure for the practice of public relations and enhance the ability and status of its members as professional practitioners.
For More Information:
Media Contact:
Esenam Agyekumhene
Executive Secretary
Email: Execsec@iprghana.org
Tel: +233 500 481 062
