IntroductionPublic Relations in Ghana evolved out of

journalism which was actually taught at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ).

Most PR officers in government institutions were information officers from the Ministry of Information.

The actual training of PR practitioners started in late 1980s to early 1990s on a part time basis at the GIJ

PR has evolved over the years in Ghana as a result of the need for institutions to disseminate information to its target audiences

It has also come about as result of the sophisticated and proliferation of media who seeks at any point in time to communicate with stakeholders in various sectors in the country

The presence of multi national companies has also contributed to the development of PR profession in Ghana.

There has been an emergence of PR programs in institutions of higher learning in the country.

The membership and linkages of PR practitioners to international PR associations has also enhanced the practice in Ghana

Practitioners in the field have had the opportunity to train abroad, thus enhancing the practice in Ghana

Ghana has its own PR Association (IPR, Ghana)

The importance of PR in the activities of the Commission cannot be overemphasized in the performance of its role as a utility regulator in the country

The Commission uses the PR platform to: Engage its stakeholders in meaningful

dialogue and in close discourse Educate its publics on issues regarding

utility regulation in the country

Communicate effectively with the media with the view to engender positive and accurate reportage about the Commission

Enhance internal communication

Publish Public/Consumer educational materials

Stakeholder reaction to interventions and involvement are mixed and varied

Media communication (Press Corp as antidote)

Community participation and education (antagonism)

Stereotype into Tariff Setting organisation Mistrust (eyeing, gestures, suspicion,

skepticism) Consumer alertness (Pro active education)

Exhibitions and Trade Fair (courting the consumer)

Public and Consumer threats

Reactions to PR activities by the Utilities

Building Inter Personal Relationships (useful contacts)

PURC has evolved to a level where PR has become prominent in the affairs of the institution.

Internal Communication between the PR and other departments have been strengthened through cooperation and collaboration

PR has moved from a desk to a department within the Commission

Information sharing from the top to the PR has also improved

Participation in meetings (Commission)

Internal information flow (notice board)

Overlapping functions regarding internal communication and its effects

Staff involvement in PR activities

Lack of adequate funding Lack of logistics Requisite staff Acceptance Delays in execution of PR activities

The Commission will continue to support PR activities for effective enhancement of stakeholder participation and communication for its regulatory mandate