Mrs. Ethel Codjoe Amissah, Head of the Public Relations Coordinating Division (PRCD) at the Information Service Department (ISD), has recently emphasized the importance of maintaining authenticity, accuracy, and credibility in all communications from PROs.

In today’s information-driven society, the role of Public Relations Officers (PROs) within ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) is more crucial than ever. They serve as the vital link between these entities and the public, ensuring that the information flow is consistent and reliable.

Mrs. Amissah’s call to action is particularly pertinent as the country navigates an election year, a period often fraught with misinformation, disinformation, and information disorder.

“I want to urge PROs to be very alert, especially in this election year, to ensure misinformation, disinformation, and information disorder do not prevail over authentic information that has to do with their respective MDAs. Let us do more this year to ensure the media carries authentic and accurate information.”
Mrs. Ethel Codjoe Amissah, Head of the Public Relations Coordinating Division (PRCD) at ISD

Election years tend to magnify the challenges faced by PROs. The rapid spread of false information can undermine public trust and skew perceptions, making it imperative for PROs to ensure that their communications are not only accurate but also timely and clear.

By doing so, they can help foster an informed electorate and contribute to a fair and transparent electoral process.

Mrs. Amissah’s exhortation to PROs comes at a time when the credibility of information sources is under intense scrutiny. With the proliferation of social media and other digital platforms, the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly is higher than ever.

Therefore, the role of PROs extends beyond merely disseminating information; they must also actively engage in debunking falsehoods and correcting inaccuracies.

Commitment to Professionalism

Mrs. Ethel Codjoe Amissah, Head of the PRCD at ISD

Mrs. Amissah reiterated the PRCD’s commitment to upholding high standards of professionalism among PROs. She emphasized the need for conformity to established guidelines, which are designed to enhance the quality and consistency of their work. This commitment is crucial in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the information disseminated by MDAs.

Mrs. Amissah also took the time to commend the efforts of PROs over the past six months.

“I want to express my gratitude to each one of you for your hard work and dedication to our team at the PRCD. We appreciate your contributions to our shared goals and targets for the first half of the year.
“Our performance has improved, especially in report submission, compared to last year’s; and we hope to build on that in the second half of the year.”
Mrs. Ethel Codjoe Amissah, Head of the Public Relations Coordinating Division (PRCD) at ISD

This recognition serves as a motivational boost for PROs, acknowledging their contributions while encouraging them to continue striving for excellence.

Mrs. Amissah’s call for collaboration among PROs underscores the importance of teamwork in achieving their shared objectives. By sharing ideas, experiences, and best practices, PROs can enhance their collective effectiveness and ensure that they meet their targets by year-end.

To further support PROs in their roles, the ministry plans to initiate town hall meetings starting next month. These meetings will provide a platform for direct engagement with the public, allowing PROs to address concerns and provide accurate information firsthand.

Mrs. Amissah urged PROs to prepare thoroughly for these meetings to ensure their success.

In addition to town hall meetings, the PRCD will also launch the “Virtual Need-To-Know Series” on July 23, 2024.

This series aims to keep PROs updated on the latest government activities and achievements, ensuring that they are well informed and equipped to communicate effectively with the public. Such initiatives reflect a proactive approach to professional development and information management.

The responsibility of ensuring that the public receives authentic, accurate, and credible information rests heavily on the shoulders of PROs. In an era where misinformation can easily overshadow the truth, their role is more critical than ever.

Mrs. Amissah’s recent address serves as a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance, professionalism, and collaboration in fulfilling this responsibility.