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The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has called on the Service’s Public Relations Officers (PROs) to embrace innovation and set a new benchmark for health communication in the country.
He emphasized that building strong and respectful relationships with key stakeholders, including the media, clients, and internal teams, is essential to establishing a new standard of trust, transparency, and proactive service delivery.
"In a truly responsive health system, communication is not optional, it is essential. Whether responding to outbreaks, promoting maternal health, delivering immunizations, or countering misinformation, our messages must be timely, accurate and relatable," he said
"As PROs for the Service, we must speak the language of the people, leverage trusted community platforms such as Community Information Centres (CICs), and amplify voices that inspire positive health behaviors," he stressed.
He also called for strategic, creative and committed efforts to improve health communication in the country through transparency, innovation and collaboration.
"You, as Public Relations Officers, are at the frontline of this mission, where information, clarity and trust can save lives," he said.
Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea made these remarks at the maiden Ghana Health Service (GHS) Public Relations Conference, held in Accra on Friday, July 11.
The conference served as a platform for PROs from across the country to exchange innovative ideas, align communication strategies, and enhance their skills in public health education, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Health Communication for Impact: The Role of Public Relations in a Responsive Health System,” the event featured sessions on key topics, including ethical issues in PR practice within the GHS, the art of public relations, and the prospects for PR professionals in the Service.
In attendance were the Executive Secretary of AMMREN, Dr Charity Binka, Head of Public Relations, GHS, Mr Jacob Acquah Andoh, Executive Committee Member and Treasurer, IPR Ghana, Mr Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah, Kwaku Opoku Adjei from the Legal Department, GHS and Right To Information Officer at GHS, Mr Kwasi Ampofo Fianko.
Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of AMMREN, Dr Charity Binka, said the event marks an important step in improving Ghana's health system, as the Ghana Health Service brings together its Public Relations Officers (PROs) for the first time.
Dr Binka, who chaired the event, said beyond doctors and medicine, clear and trusted communication is key to turning health policies into action and healthier communities and commended the leadership of GHS for the initiative.
"A health system that aims to be responsive, accountable, and people-centred must see communication as foundational. Today, the leadership of the Ghana Health Service is saying loudly and clearly - your role matters."
"Public Relations Officers of the Ghana Health Service are at the forefront of this mission. You are the voices of the system. You shape public understanding and address fears, build trust. And in today’s digital age, your role has never been more challenging, or more critical," she said.
She mentioned that as the country works toward Universal Health Coverage, communication must be seen as a core part of public health, not just an add-on.
She said the country needs proactive, strategic, and culturally sensitive messaging, which means investing in communication tools and most importantly, in skilled Public Relations Officers.
"As the Chair, I want to add my voice to many others to thank the leadership of the the Ghana Health Service for your vision in convening this first-of-its-kind event. To the development partners and media allies, thank you for your continued support and belief in the power of strategic communication."
"I urge all of us to participate actively, to think boldly, and to imagine the kind of health communication ecosystem that can truly drive impact — not just in crises, but in the everyday health decisions that shape the well-being of Ghanaians," she added.
Mr Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah emphasized that the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, is dedicated to promoting professionalism in PR practice.
He said in the health sector, effective communication is vital for disease prevention, emergency response and promoting healthy behaviours.
He added that the IPR recognizes GHS Public Relations Officers as key partners in ensuring health messages are trusted, understood and acted upon.
"Our mission is geared towards shaping generations of ethical, professional, and forward-thinking PR Professionals and communicators who can support development in every sector."
"We are pleased to witness Ghana Health Service taking this bold step and we stand ready to support you through training, collaboration, and knowledge sharing," he said.
"As we gather today, may this conference ignite ideas, deepen collaboration, and inspire lasting change in how we communicate health. Together, let us build a system where communication truly saves lives."
