Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has underscored the critical role of public relations in promoting effective leadership, building public trust and strengthening democratic governance.
Speaking at the 2026 Annual National PR Summit in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, Mr. Bagbin said public relations remains an essential tool for helping leaders communicate effectively, manage their reputation and foster meaningful relationships with the people they serve.
The summit was held under the theme, “Public Relations and Leadership Readiness.”
According to the Speaker, leadership extends beyond the exercise of authority and encompasses the ability to connect with people, communicate clearly and help citizens understand the work of public institutions.
He stressed that the public must not only be informed about what institutions do but must also understand why their work is important and how it impacts society.
Mr. Bagbin noted that public relations professionals play a crucial role in bridging the gap between institutions and citizens by translating complex policies and activities into information that is accessible and relatable to the public.
Touching on the work of Parliament, he observed that legislative processes and parliamentary procedures can sometimes be difficult for the public to fully appreciate, making effective communication indispensable.
He said public relations practitioners are therefore essential in explaining parliamentary activities, enhancing transparency and promoting greater citizen engagement in democratic processes.
The Speaker further called on public relations professionals to take a more active role in strengthening public understanding of Parliament and fostering trust in democratic institutions.
He emphasized that trust is a cornerstone of effective governance and can only be sustained through consistent communication, openness and accountability.
Mr. Bagbin’s remarks reinforced the growing recognition of strategic communication as a vital component of leadership and national development, particularly in an era where public expectations for transparency and responsiveness continue to rise.
The annual summit brought together communication professionals, public sector officials, corporate executives and industry stakeholders to discuss emerging trends in public relations and strategies for enhancing leadership readiness across sectors.