Women in public relations (PR) roles within the Ghanaian public sector continue to make significant contributions to the industry and the nation. Their work is crucial not only for the success of their organizations but also for shaping public perception and engagement. In August 2024, Women in PR Ghana embarked on an initiative to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of Ghanaian women in PR across various public sector institutions.
This initiative, “PR Women in the Public Sector”, provided a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges, and success stories. From the experiences of some selected women, it highlighted the essential role that storytelling and knowledge-sharing play in enhancing professional development, fostering inspiration, and creating a strong sense of community among PR practitioners. By shining a light on the achievements and struggles of women in the public sector, the initiative also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, support, and empowerment in the continued growth of the PR industry.

Our PR Women in Public Sector Spotlight for August were:
● Nana Abena Darkoa Dapaah (Assistant Service Public Relations Officer – Ghana Army Head Quarters)
●Geraldine Afua Amaning (Communications Officer – National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapon)
●Deborah Bonney (Deputy Head, Corporate Affairs – Public Utility Regulatory Commission{PURC})
●Judith W. Kormle (Head, Customer Service – National Lottery Authority )
●Emefa Agonyo (Public Affairs, Kumasi Area – Social Security and National Insurance Trust {SSNIT})
●Beatrice Baiden (Head, Corporate Affairs – Gaming Commission of Ghana)

Challenges Faced by PR Women in Public Sector
The journey for women in PR, particularly in the public sector, is often riddled with similar challenges.
From the stories of these women: a common issue these professionals face is the lack of recognition for their contributions. Despite being at the forefront of managing public communication, crisis responses, and organizational reputation, their roles are frequently undervalued. This lack of acknowledgment often translates into limited resources and support, making it difficult for PR campaigns to achieve their full potential.

Another key challenge is the bureaucratic nature of public sector organizations. Lengthy approval processes and political interference can delay decision-making, hampering the effectiveness of communication strategies. Deborah Bonney (Deputy Head, Corporate Affairs, Public Utility Regulatory Commission- PURC) and Beatrice Baiden (Head of Corporate Affairs— Gaming Commission of Ghana), highlighted the challenges of overcoming complex organizational hierarchies and securing stakeholder buy-in, which can slow the implementation of PR initiatives, leaving practitioners frustrated by the constraints of the system.

In addition to these structural hurdles, the delicate task of balancing transparency with security often comes to the forefront in the public sector. As indicated by Nana Abena Darkoa Dapaah (Assistant Service Public Relations Officer, Ghana Army Head Quarters) and Geraldine Afua Amaning (Communications Officer, National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapon); PR professionals are tasked with communicating sensitive information to the public, all while ensuring that the integrity and confidentiality of critical data are maintained. This balancing act requires a high level of skill and strategic thinking, as one misstep could lead to reputational damage or even public mistrust.

Team dynamics also pose a challenge. In many instances, inadequate collaboration and communication among team members can lead to inconsistent messaging, which in turn undermines the effectiveness of PR efforts. For women in leadership roles, the pressure to deliver results despite these internal struggles adds another layer of complexity to their work.

Triumphs and Achievements
Despite the challenges they face, PR women in public sector PR have accomplished incredible feats that have had lasting impacts on their organizations and the wider community. For instance, Geraldine Afua Amaning, Communications Officer at the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, led the “Ballots Without Bullets” nationwide campaign during the 2020 general elections. Her work was instrumental in promoting peaceful voting and civic responsibility, making a significant contribution to national stability.

Similarly, Nana Abena Darkoa Dapaah’s PR strategy for the Ghana Army highlighted the critical role PR plays in military communications, fostering transparency and public trust in the armed forces. Her efforts demonstrated the power of strategic communication in strengthening institutional credibility.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Emefa Agonyo of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) spearheaded virtual communication platforms to ensure continuous public education on social security rights. Her leadership during this time of crisis ensured that citizens remained informed and engaged, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Key Takeaways from Our Women.
The experiences shared by women in PR roles within the public sector are not only stories of triumph but also valuable sources of wisdom. As they go through the challenges of their profession, these women have learned important lessons that can guide both current and aspiring PR professionals.

Nana Abena Darkoa Dapaah emphasizes the importance of resilience and collaboration in achieving success in public relations. “In the public sector, especially in roles like Public Relations, success is built on resilience, continuous learning, and the courage to seek support when needed. Don’t be afraid to step forward, ask questions, and collaborate to achieve your goals.” Her advice highlights the need to embrace curiosity and teamwork, reminding us that reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness.

Geraldine Efua Amaning stresses the significance of work-life balance. “Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life is very important. Prioritizing time for self-care and personal interests not only boosts productivity but also ensures that I bring a well-rounded perspective to my professional role.” By nurturing both professional and personal growth, she underscores how maintaining this balance can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable career.

Deborah Bonney believes that adapting to change is crucial for thriving in the ever-evolving public sector. “The public sector is constantly evolving, so being able to adapt to new challenges and opportunities is critical.” Her message speaks to the importance of flexibility in managing the unpredictable nature of public relations in government and other public institutions.

Emefa Agonyo offers a guiding framework for young women looking to enter the PR field, advocating for authenticity, adaptability, and advocacy. “For young women aspiring to pursue a career in public relations, especially in the public sector, I urge embracing three fundamental principles: Authenticity, Adaptability, and Advocacy. These principles will help you build a significant and influential career in public relations.”
Judith Kormle reflects on the importance of embracing change and continuous growth. “Those who are open to growth and change are the ones who truly thrive, no matter what comes their way.” Her words serve as a reminder that staying open to new opportunities and learning from every experience is key to long-term success in PR.

Finally, Beatrice Baiden encourages continuous learning and innovation. “Be open to learning and exploring emerging areas in communications and AI. Practice constantly and be confident.” Her focus on technological advancements and confidence pushes for PR professionals to stay ahead of trends and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing industry.

These women continue to break barriers and challenge the status quo, clearly shaping the future of PR in the public sector. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and collaboration, showing that even in the face of adversity, success is attainable.

We celebrate their outstanding efforts and contributions.