GMA, UniMAC host PR dialogue to bridge classroom, industry

Accra, Ghana – Global Media Alliance (GMA), in collaboration with the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) Faculty of Business and Strategic Communication, recently hosted a Public Relations Dialogue to foster connections between academic learning and professional practice. The event, held in observance of World Public Relations Day, centered on the theme ‘Connecting Learning to Practice.’

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Communication dictates where or when to speak, silence is a form of communication.

Industry practitioners, corporate executives, policymakers, and students gathered to explore the evolving landscape of strategic communication and identify the essential skills needed for success. The keynote address was delivered by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, who drew parallels between public relations and sports management, stressing the significance of timing, strategy, and discretion. He advised aspiring communicators to prioritize listening over speaking and cultivate critical thinking, curiosity, and integrity.

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PR is not about managing reputation but building confidence, trust, and managing time among one another.

Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), highlighted communication's crucial role in building trust, particularly within the healthcare sector, stating, “PR is not about managing reputation but building confidence, trust, and managing time among one another.” Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu, encouraged students to seek practical, real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom, emphasizing that "the world teaches you the real world."

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While the classroom teaches you principles, the world teaches you the real world.

Discussions also touched upon the impact of artificial intelligence, with Mr. Komla Buami of Telecel Ghana reassuring attendees that AI would reshape rather than replace professional communicators, stating, “AI has changed the way we handle content, but we still have our space in managing things. Your ideas matter and are needed.” A panel discussion further explored required competencies, with participants emphasizing mentorship, institutional protocols, continuous learning, and encouraging women in leadership. Dr. Rebecca Baah-Ofori, a lecturer at UniMAC, advocated for structured experiential learning, urging students to pursue internships and mentorship to ease their transition into the workforce.

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AI has changed the way we handle content, but we still have our space in managing things. Your ideas matter and are needed.