By: Ashiadey Dotse
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has stressed that clear communication is essential for Ghana’s transformation and development.
Speaking at the IPR Ghana and Africa Public Relations Association Knowledge Sharing Conference in Accra on Friday October 3, 2025, the President said that while foreign direct investment and improved credit ratings reflect progress, the core of national renewal must be transparency, accountability, and clarity in communicating with citizens.
He noted that one urgent national issue is illegal mining, or galamsey, which has polluted rivers, destroyed forests, and exposed communities to toxic chemicals. “Enforcement alone is not enough,” he said, adding that his government has introduced the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme to promote legal mining, restore degraded lands, and create alternative livelihoods.
President Mahama called for broader dialogue with civil society, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, saying that without communication, mobilization, and community ownership, the fight against galamsey cannot succeed.
On technology, he cautioned that while artificial intelligence offers vast opportunities to boost productivity, climate action, and storytelling, it also carries risks of disinformation and division. He urged Africa to adopt AI ethically and strategically, building frameworks that uplift citizens while safeguarding trust.
The President touching on reparations for slavery, reiterated Ghana’s commitment to push a motion at the UN General Assembly, stressing that reparations are not about charity but justice.
“When slavery ended, it was the slave owners who were compensated, not the enslaved or their descendants. That injustice remains the greatest crime against humanity,” he said.
He encouraged international participants to explore Ghana’s historical and cultural sites, including the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Black Star Square.
The President also reminded PR professionals that their duty is to anticipate, explain, and connect, ensuring that noble ideas succeed through clarity and engagement.
