Mrs. Ethel Cudjoe Amissah, Principal Information Officer at the Public Relations Coordinating Division of the Information Services Department (ISD), has indicated that there will be a substantial reshuffle of government Public Relations Officers (PROs) before the upcoming December 7th Election.
She did not disclose the reasons for the planned reshuffle but advised government PROs to refrain from commenting on political issues.
Speaking at the 2024 PROs Mid-Year Review Summit in Accra, Mrs. Amissah urged PROs assigned to state institutions to deliver accurate information on government policies, ensuring the public can make informed decisions.
“Government PROs are not supposed to be on political party campaign platforms but should rather be in their offices working to meet the year’s key performance indicators. They are not supposed to comment on political matters because there are sanctions against civil servants engaged in politics,” she stated.
The meeting aimed to review the activities of State PROs and plan for the future.
Mrs. Amissah urged the State PROs to maintain professionalism and discretion in their statements and conduct.
Dr. Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, Acting Director of the Information Services Department, urged government PROs to prioritize integrity and combat misinformation, especially in light of the upcoming elections.
She emphasized the importance of PROs to transcend misinformation and deliver accurate information to empower citizens to make informed decisions.
“With the upcoming elections, PROs must put in extra effort to remain true to our core values. PRO professionals must focus on authentic communication, avoiding spin or propaganda,” she stated.
“Authenticity in communication is paramount and we must give out information as it is, ensuring that the public has clear and accurate access to the facts.
“This approach not only builds trust but also eliminates the need for continuous clarification,” she stated.
Dr. Mahama emphasized the crucial role of access to accurate information, stating, “By providing the public with truthful information, we prevent the need for clarification and uphold credibility, misinformation only complicates matters and undermines trust.”
