Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin calls for legislative partnership with PR

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called for a strategic partnership between the legislature and public relations (PR) practitioners to bolster Ghana’s democratic foundations. Speaking at the 2026 National PR Summit in Koforidua, the Speaker emphasized that effective communication and transparency are essential for maintaining public trust in governance and institutional growth. He argued that the legislature requires professional expertise to better articulate its functions and values to the citizenry. Addressing the theme "Public Relations and Leadership Readiness," Bagbin highlighted the critical role PR professionals play in national development. He urged practitioners to move beyond simple image-making and instead provide honest, evidence-based counsel to leaders. By upholding high professional standards and offering candid advice, he noted that PR experts can help bridge the gap between the government and the public, ensuring that institutional actions are better understood and appreciated. The summit also featured contributions from other prominent figures in the communication field. Felix Kwakye Ofosu reiterated the importance of public relations in understanding and addressing the core concerns of the public. He stressed that leadership readiness depends heavily on the ability to listen and respond effectively to the needs of the people. Esther A. Cobbah, President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, further underlined the summit’s objective of promoting PR values and fostering innovation to drive institutional excellence across the country. The call for collaboration comes at a time when institutional transparency is under increasing scrutiny. By fostering a closer relationship with the IPR, the Speaker intends to enhance the Parliament of Ghana’s communication strategies. This partnership is expected to lead to more proactive engagement with the public, ultimately strengthening the legislative process and the overall health of the nation's democracy through improved accountability and clarity.