The Minister for Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye-Ofosu, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to fast-tracking the passage of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Bill into law.

He explained that the bill, which aims to regulate public relations practice, promote professionalism, and enhance credibility within the industry, is currently with the Attorney-General for review and recommendations, adding that once ready, it would be laid before Parliament for further proceedings and eventual passage.

Mr Kwakye-Ofosu announced this at the opening of a three-day International Public Relations Conference in Accra yesterday.

The conference, themed “Communicating AI – Cultural Dimensions and Implications for Communication,” brought together global communication leaders to explore how strategic communication is evolving in response to global shifts, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Africa’s development.

He said the bill would provide clear legal recognition and ethical standards for the profession, adding that a strong regulatory framework would strengthen the integrity of communications practice and raise it to international standards.

The Minister urged members of IPR-Ghana to embrace AI in their operations, stressing that technology was reshaping the profession.

 “We must be proactive in shaping how these tools are used, not just as consumers of technology, but as innovators who adapt them to our own realities. The future of PR will not belong to those who resist change, but to those who embrace it responsibly, creatively, and ethically,” he said.

According to him, communication was not merely about disseminating information but about shaping perceptions and transforming societies.

 He said effective communication enabled governments to be accountable and responsive to challenges, and urged practitioners to uphold professional ethics.

 “It is the duty of communicators to change the narrative and to tell the African story with honesty, confidence, and innovation. The world must see us not as a continent of challenges, but as one of solutions, talent, and boundless potential,” he added.

Mr Kwakye-Ofosu assured IPR-Ghana of government’s commitment to collaborate with professional bodies to align state communication with international best practices.

On her part, the President of IPR-Ghana, Mrs Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, said the conference would help sharpen the skills of professionals and students by deepening their understanding of ethics in communication.

She added that discussions would also focus on using communication as a tool for development and environmental sustainability, with particular emphasis on addressing illegal mining.

BY BERNARD BENGHAN & ALBERTA BONSI