Government has been asked to develop and implement a national communication strategy that will sell Ghana to attract both domestic and international talents, institutional partnerships, and capital.
This would better position the country to the rest of the world in a positive light, highlighting the growth potential, and gain investor confidence to support the country’s economic recovery and resilience efforts.
Former CEO of Stanbic Bank and Economist, Alhassan Andani and Chief Executive of Strategic Communication Africa, Esther Cobbah, said this at the launch of the 30th anniversary of Stratcomm Africa and media soiree in Accra.
Mr Andani, said communication is what builds brand, attracts capital, talents, clients, and regulatory approval. He noted that the current situation of the country requires that the government crafted a story that highlighted Ghana’s enormous potential and sell it to the rest of the world, while admitting the challenges. While acknowledging the work of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, GIPC, Mr. Andani said it is not building a national image, but giving away significant value to get investors to come in.
He said the government must intentionally build the right national brand to make development finance institutions come into the country, not only to grant concessions but also to recognize Ghana as a right partner with the laws and resources for profitable investment. He charged the presidency to lead this communication effort, saying, “national branding should be at the Executive level.
The country has the experts, and the government must bring them into the room to build a national communication strategy and brand, especially now. During a fireside chat at the event, Ms Cobbah, who is also the President of the Institute of Public Relations, IPR Ghana, said there can never be good governance without effective communication.
She encouraged the government to get persons trained to work on the hearts and minds of people to lead the implementation of the national communication strategy to achieve the country’s development vision.
She said Stratcomm Africa and IPR Ghana would work collaboratively, towards ensuring that people understand the value of communication and what it can do for the country in terms of development.
