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Report by Edward FRIMPONG
Regional Public Relations Officers (PROs) of the Forestry Commission in the Southern Zone of the country, have undergone a 2-day training at the FC Auditorium.
This event, a sequel to the maiden edition which took place was the third and final of the nationwide capacity enhancement program to assess the level of understanding of the PROs and how far they have come in applying what they learnt in their lines of duty. It was also to fill in their knowledge and skill gaps to enable them work effectively in their new roles.
The PROs were invited from the Greater Accra, Eastern, Oti, Volta and Central Regions.Also in attendance were Mr. Nyadia Sulemana Nelson, Deputy Chief Executive of FC; some members of the Public & International Relations Committee (PIRC), a Committee of the Forestry Commission Board, namely Mr. Kenneth Ofori Amankwah, Chairman; Prof. Samuel Kingsley Oppong, Member; Mr. Gustav Adu, Member; Mrs. Joyce Ofori Kwafo, Secretary and Manager for Corporate Affairs & Media Relations ; Mr. Mitchel Attipoe, Corporate HR Manager and Mr. Joseph Bempah, Regional Manager,Forest Services Division (FSD), Greater Accra.
Mr. Kenneth Ofori Amankwah mentioned in his opening remarks that it is not often that you see Board members interracting with staff, registering the importance of the event especially, to the future of the Commission and admonished the PROs to take full advantage of the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skill base.
A Communications Consultant and Head of Department of the School of Communications Studies at the University of Ghana, Prof. Abena Yeboah – Banin, who served as the resource person for the program, assessed participants during an “Experience Sharing Session”, where the PROs shared their practical experiences on what they have done so far since their initial training about eight months ago. This engaagement encompassed questions for clarification and suggestions for improvement.
Prof. Yeboah – Banin guided participants in crafting Communications and PR Strategies, utilising social media as a communication tool, media engagements, planning work calendars and stakeholder mapping. Participants were divided into two groups and assigned to develop communcation stragies and present them. Each group engagement was met with accolades and constructive criticisms to further broaden the knowledge and scope acquired. An open forum was held to air out challenges and expectations to improve efficiency for the tasks ahead.
Mr. Gustav Adu, in his closing remarks extended appreciation to the resource person for effectively leading the 2-day program and to the participants for displaying remarkable comprehension during the event.He added ,” this meeting has given us hope and revived a strong belief in the organisation’s communication principles. As we move forward, let’s ensure that we apply what we have learned in engaging with stakeholders, recognising their diversity and impact accordingly.”
In a related development, PROs in the Middle Zone have undergone a similar training at the Forestry Commission Training Centre at Akyawkrom. They were drawn from the Western, Bono East, Ashanti and Ahafo Regions.
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