PUBLIC RELATIONS EXPERIENCE IN GHANA – PURC PERSPECTIVE

1. PUBLIC RELATIONS EXPERIENCE IN GHANA – PURC PERSPECTIVE 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

2. DEVELOPMENT OF P.R. IN GHANA • 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.

3. DEVELOPMENT CONT’D • 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)

4. PR EXPERIENCE, PURC PERSPECTIVE 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

5. PR EXPERIENCE – PURC PERSPECTIVE • 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

6. PR EXPERIENCE – PURC PERSPECTIVE • 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)

7. PR EXPERIENCE – PURC PERSPECTIVE • Exhibitions and Trade Fair (courting the consumer) • Public and Consumer threats • Reactions to PR activities by the Utilities • Building Inter Personal Relationships (useful contacts)

8. PR EXPERIENCE – PURC PERSPECTIVE • 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

9. PR EXPERIENCE – PURC PERSPECTIVE • Participation in meetings (Commission) • Internal information flow (notice board) • Overlapping functions regarding internal communication and its effects • Staff involvement in PR activities

10. PR EXPERIENCE – PURC PERSPECTIVE - CHALLENGES • Lack of adequate funding • Lack of logistics • Requisite staff • Acceptance • Delays in execution of PR activities

11. PR EXPERIENCE – PURC PERSPECTIVE –THE WAY FORWARD • The Commission will continue to support PR activities for effective enhancement of stakeholder participation and communication for its regulatory mandate