Ghana’s communications industry recorded a significant milestone when Madam Shirley Tony Kum, Corporate Communications Head at Vivo Energy Ghana, was named the Public Relations Personality of the Year at the 2025 IPR Excellence Awards. The recognition, which represents the highest individual honour of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, celebrated her outstanding leadership and enduring contribution to the profession.
The announcement drew warm applause, but it was Shirley’s emotional walk to the stage that revealed the true depth of the achievement. With visible gratitude, she acknowledged the two decades of perseverance, growth and purpose that shaped her journey. In her remarks, she reflected on her experiences from Stratcomm Africa and Newmont to her leadership role at Vivo Energy Ghana and expressed appreciation to mentors, colleagues and the many young professionals she continues to guide. She noted that using customer insights to deliver measurable impact had defined her work and that the difficult moments along the way had ultimately strengthened her.
Shirley Tony Kum has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most influential communications leaders. Her career in media, mining and petroleum has seen her work with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Stratcomm Africa and Newmont Golden Ridge Limited. Today, her work at Vivo Energy Ghana has transformed communications into a central strategic force within the business. Through the use of research, behavioural insights, stakeholder intelligence and impactful storytelling, she has helped the company build strong brand equity and public trust within a competitive and highly regulated sector.
Her leadership has guided the implementation of award-winning campaigns in areas such as safety education, sustainability, environmental responsibility and community development. These initiatives have strengthened Vivo Energy’s reputation as a responsible and community-focused organisation. Colleagues and industry peers often refer to her approach as comprehensive and integrated because she ensures that every interaction with the public reflects consistency in message, clarity of purpose and a commitment to excellence.
One of Shirley’s well-recognised strengths is her ability to navigate complex environments. Her experience in crisis communication, regulatory engagement, public participation and media relations has strengthened the company’s relationships with government agencies, civil society and local communities. Her clarity, transparency and calm leadership have contributed to the company’s strong reputation even in periods of wider sector challenges.
Beyond her corporate work, Shirley has gained admiration as a mentor and a role model for women in communications and the energy sector. She leads the ShePower Project, a mentorship initiative that supports young women in their professional development. She serves on the governing council of the African University of Communications and Business and has held important roles within IPR Ghana, including Honorary Secretary and Governing Council Member. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she supported national communication efforts as part of the Government’s Communications Team.
Shirley is a proud alumna of the University of Ghana, the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom and the Ghana Institute of Journalism. She is an Accredited Member of IPR Ghana and an active member of Women in PR Ghana. Her colleagues describe her as a leader who combines professionalism with humility, empathy and a deep dedication to ethical and research-driven PR practice. A mother of three and a mentor to many, she continues to inspire the next generation of communications professionals.
Her recognition as Public Relations Personality of the Year is not only a celebration of her achievements over the past year but a tribute to a career defined by discipline, vision and impactful communication. It reinforces her status as a leading figure in shaping corporate credibility, public trust and the future of the PR profession in Ghana.
The awards night also honoured other distinguished individuals and organisations. Professor Kojo Yankah received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dr Ekow Spio-Garbrah was celebrated as PR Legend of the Year. Kenneth Aidam was named PR Discovery of the Year, while the University of Professional Studies, Accra won Best Student Chapter. Additional honours went to MTN, Stratcomm Africa, GRA, WaterAid, Karpowership and Leonard Yert, with Vivo Energy again securing multiple organisational awards including PR Organisation of the Year, Best PR Organisation (Commercial) and Best Promotional Event for Fir2Drive.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, encouraged practitioners to use communication as a tool for national development and to shape public thinking toward collective progress. The President of IPR Ghana, Madam Esther Cobbah, also urged members to renew their commitment to strengthening the Institute and advancing the profession.
