A delegation of State Public Relations Officers (PROs) has paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Acting Director of the Information Services Department (ISD), Dr Winifred Nafisa Mahama, on Tuesday in Accra.
The visit was to congratulate her on her appointment and to assure her of their support to execute the mandate of the Department.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr Zakari Musah, PRO of the Ministry of the Interior, highlighted the challenges that PROs in the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) face.
He emphasised the importance of continuous training and capacity building for PROs to effectively carry out their duties, stressing the need for periodic training sessions and opportunities such as scholarships and exchange programmes.
“We will need periodic training to enhance our capacities as PROs. Also, Scholarships and Exchange Programmes will be extremely beneficial to us,” he said.
Mr Musah also advocated for strategic partnerships with like-minded institutions and asked for support for Divisions in the Department, particularly the Public Relations Coordinating Division.
“Funding and financial support are very crucial for the successful implementation of Public Relations programmes,” he stated.
Responding, Dr Winifred Nafisa Mahama expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged her administration’s commitment to collaborating with PROs to realise the Department’s vision.
Dr Mahama stressed the importance of staff development and reorientation, highlighting plans for in-house capacity-building initiatives.
She called for strategic partnerships and funding, citing the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) as a potential ally in leveraging resources to achieve common goals.
Dr Mahama stated that her vision is for the Department to be self-sufficient and outlined plans for transitioning towards a more human-centric work environment.
“As PROs, I implore you to seize the opportunity to collaborate on public education campaigns, as this will help the Department achieve its goal,” she urged.
The delegation was led by Mr Prince Boakye-Boateng, PRO of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Dean of the PROs.
Also, at the meeting were Mrs Ethel Codjoe Amissah, Head of PRCD; Mr Ahmad Nasir Yartey, PRO, Ministry of Roads and Highways; Mr Ernest Zume, PRO, Public Sector Reform Secretariat, Mr Osei-Opoku Gyamfi, PRO, Office of the Head of the Local Government Service and Madam Solace Amankwaah, Assistant PRO, Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
