Accra: Ms Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, the Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa, has called on the Students Chapter Executives of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana (IPR-Ghana) to develop strong leadership skills through effective communication. She emphasized that as future leaders in the communication industry, their success would be largely determined by their ability to convey ideas, influence stakeholders, and represent their institutions effectively.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms Cobbah made these remarks during a training event organized by Stratcomm Africa in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Accra. The training aims to equip student leaders with essential leadership and public speaking skills, fostering a collaborative leadership approach. The event targets approximately 40 student executives, with the number expected to increase to 50 after the inauguration of a new chapter by IPR Ghana.
The program, consisting of two-day sessions scheduled throughout the month, will culminate in a graduation ceremony. Ms Cobbah highlighted that strong communication skills prepare these young leaders for real-world challenges and position them as effective ambassadors for their chapters and the broader profession. She also noted the significant impact Stratcomm Africa has made in training young people for the workforce, emphasizing the importance of equipping emerging leaders with critical skills.
Ms Cobbah pointed out that effective leadership is rooted in having followers and that the executives must understand their leadership role is supported by the trust and support of their followers. She warned against leading in isolation, which could result in a disconnect with followers and a loss of confidence.
Mr Gabriel Nii Otu Ankrah, National Treasurer of IPR-Ghana, echoed these sentiments, stating that leadership is the engine of change and that strong communication skills are vital for articulating vision. He highlighted the role of universities as hubs for leadership development and stressed the importance of equipping student leaders with the skills necessary to excel in public speaking and vision implementation.
The training, according to Mr Ankrah, is crucial as the student executives are preparing to assume leadership roles not only within IPR but also in national governance and other influential areas.