The Institute of Public Relations (IPR) is to issue membership cards to its accredited members to serve as identity and a deterrent to the number of unqualified persons parading as Public Relations Officers (PROs).

He said the Public Relations practitioner has a major role to play in providing information for decision-making, especially in this era of competition and liberalism adding that the institute would not compromise with issues of unprofessional practice.

Speaking to the GNA in Accra on Saturday on the IPR's week celebrations, Mr. Osei Bimpong cautioned the public on dealing with unqualified persons parading as PRO's as such people are not members of the institute.

The President of the IPR said since there is no legal authority to check the activities of the fake practitioners, organisations who employ them do so at their own risk.

He advised organisations to employ only accredited members of the Institute for which they are guaranteed good professional services.

Mr. Osei Bimpong said organisations that consult the institute before engaging their public relations personnel have not regretted their actions.

The Week celebrations, beginning October 22 to 28 focuses on projecting the profession and the practice of PR in the country, discussing issues affecting the profession and sensitising government, corporate bodies and individuals on public relations practice and how it could be applied to enhance good governance.

Activities lined up include a round table discussion with top government officials on government public relations, anniversary public lecture by Mr Sam Jonah, Ashanti Goldfields Chief Executive, and an annual general meeting.

The IPR is a professional institute, which brings together trained and accredited Public Relations practitioners, putting emphasis on setting professional standards and encouraging members to uphold high standards of integrity.

Its accredited and associate members have a minimum educational background either from the Ghana Institute of Journalism or the School of Communication Studies, Legon or holders of its equivalent.

The institute has professional links with the South African and Canadian Public Relations Institutes.

Fellows, the highest position, is an honour conferred on members who have made significant contributions to uplift the image of the profession