The second edition of World Public Relations (PR) Day has been commemorated by the Global Media Alliance at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra on July, 15.

The event was attended by PR practitioners, students, media practitioners and other stakeholders within the media and communications industry.

This year, the theme for the celebration was "Truth, Trust and Transparency".

The event was occasioned by a panel discussion with PR and communication experts which included Chief Director for Global Media Alliance, Emma Wenani, President of Institute of Public Relations, Mawuko Afadzinu, Regional Director for Ogilvy Africa, Akua Owusu-Nartey, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs of Nestle Ghana Limited, Deborah Kwablah and Lead Consultant of Komskraft Consult Gayheart Mensah.

The panelists spoke on skills to employ when managing a crisis, the significance of World PR Day and the importance of Public Relations.

Speaking at the event, the keynote speaker for the event, Deputy Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar acknowledged the Global Media Alliance for organising the event to reflect on the impact of PR in organisations.

She also urged PR practitioners to be professional in the performance of their duties.

In an interview with the media, Chief Director for Global Media Alliance, Emma Wenani outlined the significance of the day.

"Last year, we had the celebration but this year we wanted to have a dialogue, a conversation with industry experts on how we can be able to create awareness for our industry and mentor students in the programme and we felt an event like this in person would have made the impact", she said.

In addition, Gayheart Mensah expressed optimism that having a day to celebrate PR practitioners will change the negative perception people have about PR.

"Institutionalizing a day like this gives us the opportunity to try to right the wrong notions and perceptions about the profession", he said.

Speaking on crisis management, the president of the Institute of Public Relations, Mawuko Afadzinu said, "PR is not magic, PR is not throwing your hands in the air and all problems go away".

Regional Manager for Ogilvy Africa, Akua Owusu-Nartey remarked during the discussion that with the advent of social media and its conspiracy theories, it is critical for organisations to either communicate or not communicate during a crisis.

World Public Relations Day is observed on July 16 globally as part of efforts to reposition the PR profession.