Accra, Aug. 16, GNA - The Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Thursday said it would partner the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) to build the reputation of Ghana.

Speaking at the opening of the 2007 Annual General Meeting of the IPR in Accra, Mrs. Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said as the public relations department of Ghana Incorporated, it was important that the Ministry created a positive image for Ghana as well as manage that reputation both locally and overseas.

"The economy of Ghana has remained resilient even in the wake of increased crude oil prices; provisional projections for real GDP growth rate based on actual data was 6.2 per cent for the year 2006, slightly above the target of 6.0 per cent.

"The growth rate of 6.2 per cent constitutes the sixth consecutive year of steady increase and sustained economic growth," she said, adding that Ghana was currently being classified as a strong performer. Mrs. Sai-Cofie said government was determined to maintain this position and keep the economy growing from strength to strength. The PR Week is being celebrated under the theme: "Managing the Reputation of Ghana as an Emerging Market."

The Minister expressed regret that some people still did not believe that Ghana was on course to becoming an emerging market economy. "We have already achieved international recognition of this fact and we need to begin to show confidence in ourselves as a people." She urged Ghanaians to consider the public relations implications of all their actions as the nation moved into the next category of middle income countries adding that the assertion that positive image was created deliberately should not be left to chance.

"As a government, we are determined to work towards further burnishing the image of Ghana on our own continent and to the world."

Enumerating some of the programmes to enhance the image of the country, Mrs Sai-Cofie said the Ministry had instituted the mainstreaming of Development Communication in all programmes of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

An e-management system had been established for the fleet of cinema vans spread across the country in addition to harmonizing the operations of the Community Information Centres (CIC), which were being set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, she said. "Our aim is to create and sustain a visible public relations presence for government business so that the NPP government's achievements are effectively showcased."

Mrs. Sai-Cofie expressed the hope that IPR members in various institutions and organisations would create awareness about the need for all Ghanaians to create and manage a reputation for themselves as the nation strived to become an emerging market economy.

Mr. Kojo Yankah, President IPR, announced that the Federation of African Public Relations Association (FAPRA) would host its next conference in Ghana between April and May next year. He said the topic "Corporate Social Investment" would be examined from a global worldview in line with the role of public relations. Mr Yankah said 10 distinguished personalities would be honoured on Friday.

He urged members to be involved in the activities of the Institute, pay their dues and stop the criticisms that they were not benefiting from the Institute.