The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned institutions that no communication strategy can protect an institution whose conduct contradicts its message.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2026 National PR Summit at Capital View Hotel, Koforidua, the Speaker said the ethics of public relations must be at the centre of leadership readiness.
He stressed that PR must clarify facts, not conceal them, and must provide context, not manipulate public opinion.
“PR must clarify facts, not conceal them. It must provide context, not manipulate public opinion. No communication strategy can permanently protect an institution whose conduct contradicts its message,” he emphasized.
According to him, PR comes with the burden of being truthful always, noting that unlike secular spin, propaganda, corrupt speech or manipulation, true PR anchors persuasion in transparency, love and character rather than self-seeking deception.
He said an institution’s reputation is strengthened not only by what it says, but by what it does, and therefore PR professionals must uphold professional standards, respect confidentiality where appropriate and distinguish institutional communication from partisan interests.
The Speaker charged PR professionals to be prepared to offer honest advice to leadership, even when the truth may be uncomfortable, adding that sound judgement and expert advice can help leaders identify communication gaps and build public confidence.
He noted that when communication is clear, leadership is better understood, when communication is honest, trust grows and blossoms, and when institutions listen to the people, democracy becomes stronger.
The National Summit, which runs from October 22 to 24, has brought together PR professionals and dignitaries to promote Excellence reflecting on the theme – “Public Relations and Leadership Readiness”
By Robert Dela Mawuenyegah, (Member, IPR Ghana)//Newswatchgh.com
