A significant event occurred in Ghana's public relations community when Madam Shirley Tony Kum, the Corporate Communications Head at Viv...
A significant event occurred in Ghana's public relations community when Madam Shirley Tony Kum, the Corporate Communications Head at Vivo Energy Ghana, was honored as the Public Relations Personality of the Year at the PR Excellence Awards, which is the top individual recognition given by the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana.
The honor, representing excellence in the field, was highly competitive, yet Shirley's innovative contributions, forward-thinking guidance, and tangible influence within the energy industry distinguished her.
As her name was called, Shirley stepped onto the stage with tears of appreciation—symbolizing more than just the joy of individual success, but the result of twenty years of perseverance, transformation, and meaningful expression.
"From Stratcom Africa to Newmont, and Vivo Energy, among other organizations, up to my current role at Vivo, I have learned the art of leveraging customer insights to drive tangible outcomes... although I have questioned myself during tough times... it has all been worth it today," she said, recognizing her mentees, colleagues, and mentors who have played a part in her career path.
The tale of Shirley Tony Kum is one of foresight, dedication, and an unyielding determination to transform public relations from mere publicity into a powerful strategic element in the business world.
Having over 20 years of expertise across media, mining, and oil sectors, she has established herself as one of Ghana's most adaptable and influential communication professionals.
Her professional journey has spanned several of the nation's leading organizations, such as the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Stratcomm Africa, and Newmont Golden Ridge Limited, prior to taking up her present position at Vivo Energy Ghana, which holds the Shell brand license.
At Vivo Energy Ghana, Shirley has transformed the potential of corporate communications within a tightly controlled and fiercely competitive industry.
Under her guidance, communication has evolved from a supportive role into a central strategic force—utilizing data, behavioral insights, stakeholder knowledge, and compelling narratives to impact buying choices, sway public sentiment, and enhance the company's brand value.
She has established Vivo Energy as a reliable, ethical, and community-focused industry leader, combining brand reputation with corporate accountability in a manner that highlights genuine commitment, vision, and reliability.
Her efforts have brought the company both regional and global acclaim.
Through winning campaigns—covering safety education, eco-friendly practices, environmental accountability, road safety promotion, and local community growth—Shirley has enabled the brand to stand out from rivals and established it as a standard in the sector.
Her comprehensive method of interacting with stakeholders, often referred to by colleagues as "360-degree communication," guarantees that each interaction with the public conveys a consistent message of quality, safety, and reliability.
One of Shirley's notable strengths is her skill in handling intricate and delicate situations. Her knowledge in crisis communication, public engagement procedures, regulatory matters, and media interactions has strengthened the company's ties with governmental bodies, clients, civil organizations, and local neighborhoods.
Due to her strategic clarity, ability to manage crises, and openness, Vivo Energy Ghana has maintained a stable reputation despite challenges affecting the entire industry.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Shirley has emerged as a well-regarded mentor, inspiration, and supporter for women in the fields of communications and energy.
She heads the acclaimed ShePower Project, an initiative focused on mentorship and empowerment aimed at supporting the upcoming generation of female leaders. Her commitment to developing young professionals has gained her respect throughout the industry, reflecting her conviction that leadership is most impactful when it opens doors for others.
Her influence extends beyond her professional environment. Shirley is part of the leadership board at the African University of Communications and Business. She has also taken on important positions within IPR Ghana, serving as Honorary Secretary and a member of the Governing Council, and has participated in national initiatives as a member of the publicity and international affairs committee of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as IPR on the Government’s Communications Team, offering her knowledge during a period when communication played a crucial role in public health and national unity.
A well-regarded professional and dedicated learner, Shirley is a graduate of the University of Ghana, the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, and the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now known as UNIMAC). She is an accredited member of IPR Ghana, a member of Women in PR Ghana, and a strong supporter of ethical, research-focused, and results-oriented communication practices.
Nevertheless, aside from the honors, roles, and campaign achievements, Shirley Tony Kum is recognized for her modesty, compassion, and steadfast dedication to quality.
She is the parent of three children, a guide for numerous individuals, and an inspiration for young women aiming to succeed in challenging business environments.
Her being named Public Relations Personality of the Year not only acknowledges her efforts from the past year—it recognizes a professional journey marked by creativity, honesty, and impact.
In a time where communication plays a crucial role in building corporate reputation and public confidence, Shirley exemplifies what can be achieved when enthusiasm aligns with meaning, and when narrative is grounded in truth and support.
Her path keeps motivating the field, raising the bar and reminding professionals that public relations goes beyond handling appearances—it involves fostering ethics, reinforcing organizations, and making a genuine difference in people's lives.
The award ceremonies also featured Professor Kojo Yankah being presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Dr Ekow Spio-Garbrah was honored as the PR Legend of the Year for his outstanding contributions both in his home country and internationally.
The most notable PR discovery of the year was awarded to Mr. Kenneth Adam, while the UPSA was recognized as the top student chapter. Dr. Spio-Garbrah stated that redefining PR in today's world would require professionals to engage in effective communication research to fulfill audience expectations and improve societal outcomes.
He stated, "Research and development plays a crucial role in the responsibilities of Relations Officers, and you can only generate value by embracing the right technologies and conducting research to meet societal demands."
Dr. Spio-Garbrah highlighted the importance of Public Relations Officers in nation-building and encouraged them to consistently convey accurate information to enhance public unity and development goals, especially within the public sector.
Madam Esther Cobbah, head of the Institute of Public Relations Ghana, encouraged members to return home with a stronger dedication to the Institute's future, aiming to establish it as a powerful entity in the nation's affairs.
Meanwhile, Leonard Yert was recognized as the most outstanding Agency, while the Public Sector PR organization was absorbed by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, PR Telecommunication was acquired by MTN, Vivo Energy was named PR Organization of the Year, and Karpowership won the Energy and Utilities Award.
The top achievement in environmental and climate communication was awarded to Stratcom Africa, while GRA received the accolade for the best digital and social media communication campaign of the year.
MTN Ghana handled the Corporate Communications, while GRA was recognized as the PR Company/Communication of the Year. Karpowership won the Community Relations program, and MTN received the Crisis and Issues Communication award.
Water Aid, a non-profit organization, won the non-profit sector award, while Vivo Energy was recognized as the Best Promotional Events Organizer. A total of 18 entries were submitted across 26 categories.
Previously, during an opening ceremony, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the leader of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, encouraged them to employ positive communication as a tool for bringing about change within their communities.
"Guide the public's thoughts towards a single national development goal...ensure that public relations contribute effectively to Ghana's overall growth," he added.
The yearly gathering of the keen Institute, organized by the Western Region, served as an opportunity to review the past year, outline a constructive path forward, induct new members into the Institute, and provide a time for socializing, dining, and networking.
Vivo Energy Ghana received two honors in the PR category, including Organization of the Year (Commercial), and Vivo Energy's Fit2Drive Road Safety and Wellness Campaign was recognized as the Best promotional event.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
