The Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, on Friday organised its first ever conference for students offering the course in tertiary institutions across the country.

The conference to be organised annually was attended by students from Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), University of Ghana, Central University College (CUC) and African University College of Communications.

The rest were, Jayee University College, Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) and Christian Service University College, based in Kumasi.

Dr Mrs Margaret Amoakohene, Acting Director, School of Communications Studies, University of Ghana, commended founding fathers of the association in the country for the critical role they played.

She said PR which initially formed part of Journalism education at the Diploma level, was now taught at both the Degree and a Masters level adding that soon, the School of Communications would teach it at the Doctorate level.

Dr Amoakohene called on PR practitioners to work harder and educate themselves in order to form part of the management teams of their organisations.

Mrs Vicky Wireko-Andoh, Immediate Past President of IPR, said PR studies had become crucial because companies needed PR practitioners due to their education in enhancing the image of companies.

Mr Joseph Allotey-Pappoe, Founding President of IPR, educated the students on the growth and development of the PR profession and the Institute in the country.**