The Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, has launched the Annual Edzikanfo Lecture, a new initiative designed to honour pioneers of the Public Relations profession and draw lessons from their contributions to professional practice and society.
The maiden edition, held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the British Council Auditorium in Accra, honoured the late Joseph Emmanuel Allotey-Pappoe (JEAP), a former President of IPR Ghana and the African Public Relations Association (APRA).
The event brought together leading Public Relations practitioners, academics, public officials, professional colleagues, mentees and members of the Allotey-Pappoe family to celebrate JEAP’s contribution to the development of the profession in Ghana and across Africa.
President of IPR Ghana, Esther A. N. Cobbah, FIPR, explained that “Edzikanfo” refers to those who took the lead, went ahead and paved the way for others. Read Also: Ghana Gas Plans 278km Pipeline to Cut Transmission Costs
She said the annual lecture would honour both living and departed professionals whose experiences and contributions provide valuable lessons for the continued development of Public Relations.
“If we have an Institute of Public Relations Ghana today, it is because of those who paved the way for us,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Immediate Past President of APRA, described JEAP as an institution builder who played a significant role in reviving the then Federation of African Public Relations Associations (FAPRA) and strengthening collaboration among PR professionals across the continent.
He said JEAP demonstrated that true leadership involved leaving institutions stronger than one found them.
Dr. Paulina Kuranchie, APR, a lecturer at Newcastle University and one of JEAP’s mentees, highlighted his commitment to mentorship, saying he created opportunities for young professionals to gain practical experience, build confidence and develop their careers.
She urged current practitioners to emulate his approach by investing in the next generation through mentorship, apprenticeship and ethical practice. https://theexclusiveonline.com/
Rev. Kwaku Osei Bimpong, FIPR, a former General Manager of SSNIT and professional colleague of JEAP, also praised his contribution to the early development of IPR Ghana.
He credited JEAP with helping establish important professional structures, including the Institute’s constitution, accreditation system, code of ethics and professional training programmes.
Director-General of SSNIT, Kwesi Afreh Biney, described JEAP as a consummate professional and astute administrator whose impact continues to influence the institution.
As Guest of Honour, the Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, officially launched the Annual Edzikanfo Lecture and underscored the enduring importance of ethics, professionalism and public trust in communication.
“Integrity will never become outdated. Truth will never become obsolete. Professional standards will never lose their value,” he said.
The Minister also announced that his office would partner with IPR Ghana on initiatives aimed at promoting effective government communications and strengthening the capacity of young communication professionals and students.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the African Public Relations Association’s Visionary Leader Award plaque to the Allotey-Pappoe family.
JEAP was posthumously honoured at APRA’s 50th Anniversary Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, in June 2025, for his contribution to the revival and development of the Association.
The Allotey-Pappoe family expressed appreciation to IPR Ghana and APRA for recognising JEAP’s legacy and continuing to honour his contribution to Public Relations.
The Annual Edzikanfo Lecture will be held each year to celebrate a different pacesetter, providing a platform for reflection, learning and drawing lessons from the past to shape the future of the profession.
SSNIT served as the headline sponsor of the maiden lecture, with GRIDCo, Stratcomm Africa and ECG as partners.
