In a bid to nurture the next generation of public relations professionals and leaders, Stratcomm Africa, under the leadership of CEO Ms. Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, has partnered with the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana (IPR-Ghana) to provide intensive leadership and communication training for student chapter executives.
The initiative, held in Accra in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), targets approximately 40 student leaders, with plans to expand as new chapters of IPR Ghana are inaugurated. Each group participates in a two-day training session focused on enhancing leadership, public speaking, and collaborative skills—critical tools for thriving in a communication-driven profession.
Ms. Cobbah emphasized that strong communication is the cornerstone of effective leadership. “Leadership is not just about holding a position; it is about serving and engaging those who trust you,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of fostering genuine connections between leaders and their followers to avoid isolation and misalignment.
This training is more than just skill-building; it prepares student executives to become influential ambassadors of their chapters and the wider public relations industry. By empowering them to articulate their vision clearly and influence stakeholders effectively, the program aims to create leaders who can drive meaningful change in Ghana’s workforce and governance.
The National Treasurer of IPR-Ghana, Mr. Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah, echoed this sentiment by underscoring the role of universities as vital hubs for leadership development. He noted that many of Ghana’s national leaders, including ministers and presidents, started as student leaders, making such training crucial for preparing students to step confidently into future positions of influence.
“Leadership development begins on campus, and equipping student leaders with effective communication skills is essential to ensuring they can translate vision into action,” Mr. Ankrah said.
This collaboration between Stratcomm Africa, IPR-Ghana, and GIZ reflects a shared commitment to building a cadre of young leaders capable of navigating the complexities of the modern communication landscape while driving national progress. The program will culminate with a graduation ceremony, marking the formal recognition of these students as equipped and empowered leaders ready to make a difference.
