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IPR Ghana Inaugurates Northern Belt Chapter
The Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, has officially inaugurated its Northern Belt Chapter.
The establishment of the chapter with a ceremony at the GNAT Hall in Tamale contributes to strengthening and enhancing the national presence of the Institute. It also bringsprofessional Public Relations practice closer to stakeholders in Northern Ghana.
The ceremony was attended by Public Relations Practitioners from the Northern Belt of the country, namely, the Upper East, Upper West, North East, Northern, and Savannah regions.
Representing the national leadership alongside the Vice President were Madam Solace Akomeah, APR, Honorary Secretary, and Mr. Gabriel Ankrah, APR, Treasurer, who reaffirmed the Executive Committee’s commitment to fostering growth, unity, and collaboration among members across all regions.
The inauguration is one of the activities marking the annual IPR Ghana Month celebrations and the global observance of World Public Relations Day (WPRD) 2025 (16/7/25), which is being marked under the theme “Building Bridges & Navigating Polarisation.”
Delivering the inaugural address, Donald Gwira, Vice President of IPR Ghana, commended members and stakeholders for their dedication to advancing public relations in the northern regions, describing the day as a proud and defining moment for the Institute.
“The creation of the Northern Belt is more than a geographic expansion. It is a strategic move that aligns with our broader vision of inclusivity and capacity building,” Mr. Gwira stated.
He said, “We believe that public relations must reflect the diversity and unity of Ghana, and that every PR professional, regardless of location, should have access to the tools, networks, and opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
The Northern Belt Chapter is meant to serve as a platform for professional engagement, mentorship, policy advocacy, and knowledge-sharing.
Mr. Gwira also highlighted the relevance of the theme for this year’s World PR Day, urging practitioners to “lead with empathy, communicate with clarity, and act with integrity, serving as connectors in a fragmented society.”
Mr. Gwira further congratulated the members of the Northern Belt on this milestone and encouraged them to embrace their roles as ethical advocates and nation builders.
As part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professional networks and global collaborations, Mr. Gwira also announced that Accra will host the Public Relations Knowledge Sharing Conference from 1st to 3rd October 2025.
This high-level event will be organised under the joint auspices of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana, the African Public Relations Association (APRA), and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).
The conference will bring together leading professionals, academics, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond to discuss trends, share insights, and chart the future of strategic communication.
“Together, we move forward,” Mr. Gwira concluded, pledging continued support from the Executive Committee and Governing Council.
The Institute of Public Relations, Ghana, is the recognized professional body mandated to regulate, develop, and promote excellence in public relations and strategic communication practice in Ghana.
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
