News · Peter Amaane

Public relations is not propaganda -Alban Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has emphasized the role of public relations in leadership, describing it as strategic communication anchored in transparency rather than propaganda or manipulation. Speaking at the 2026 National Public Relations Summit in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, he explained that leadership is not just about exercising authority but also about how leaders connect with people, explain decisions, listen to concerns and inspire confidence in the institutions they lead. 

The 2026 National Public Relations Summit, themed “Public Relations and Leadership Readiness,” has brought together public relations practitioners from across the country and beyond to reflect on their journey, assess their achievements, discuss challenges confronting the profession and explore possible solutions.

The three-day summit features a series of activities, including paper presentations, panel discussions, the Institute’s Annual General Meeting, AGM, an induction ceremony for new members, elections and the IPR Ghana Excellence Awards. 

Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the summit, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, noted that public relation is vital in politics, highlighting the role of communication in leadership.

He emphasized the need for Parliament to use public relations to simplify complex parliamentary business and make it more accessible to the public. 

He said this has informed the introduction of reforms aimed at making the House more transparent and accessible.

"We restructured our parliamentary service and put in place the pillars upon which an open and transparent parliament must rest. In this regard new departments such as the broadcasting department, public relations department, media relations department and the citizens bureau have been created. These are the things that open the doors of the house wider." He stated.

The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has urged PR practitioners to understand the institutions they represent, anticipate emerging issues, offer sound advice to leadership and build positive relationships with the publics they serve. 

She stressed the importance of public relations in governance, urging government communicators to explain public policies clearly to help citizens understand their purpose, appreciate their implications and engage meaningfully with their outcomes. 

She also disclosed that Cabinet has approved the IPR Ghana Bill, expressing the government’s determination to ensure its passage by the end of the year.

"I am also pleased to announce another very important matter, the matter of a permanent secretariat for the institute is near conclusion." she noted. She further stated " let me also share my sincere appreciation to the leadership of IPS Ghana, for its willingness to collaborate with the ministry to support the professional development of government's public relations officers"

The President of IPR Ghana, Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, outlined measures the institute is implementing to promote ethical standards and professionalism in the public relations industry.

PR practitioners have been urged to uphold professional standards, offer honest advice, respect confidentiality and distinguish institutional communication from partisan interests.