The Principal Information Officer at the Public Relations Coordinating Division of the Information Services Department (ISD), Ethel Cudjoe Amissah, has hinted at a significant reshuffle of government Public Relations Officers (PROs) before the December 7 election.
She did not explain the reasons behind the intended reshuffle but cautioned government PROs to refrain from commenting on political matters.
Addressing government PROs at the 2024 PROs Mid-Year Review Summit in Accra, Mrs. Amissah urged the PROs assigned to state institutions to provide authentic information about government policies to enable the public to make informed decisions.
“Government PROs are not supposed to be on political party campaign platforms but should rather be in their offices working towards meeting the key performance indicators for the year.
They are not supposed to comment on political matters because there are sanctions against civil servants who engage in politics,” she stated.
The meeting aimed to take stock of the activities of State PROs and chart the way forward.
Mrs. Amissah urged the State PROs to be professional and circumspect in their words and actions.
Dr. Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, Acting Director of the Information Services Department, urged government PROs to uphold integrity and combat misinformation, especially with the upcoming elections.
She emphasized the need for PROs to rise above the wave of information disorders and provide authentic information to citizens to make informed choices.
“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 provide 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 importance of providing accurate information to the public, adding: “By offering truthful information, we eliminate the need for further clarification and maintain credibility; misinformation only leads to more complications and erodes trust.”
