Ghana’s public relations fraternity witnessed a defining moment when Madam Shirley Tony Kum, Corporate Communications Head at Vivo Energy Ghana, was named the Public Relations Personality of the Year at the PR Excellence Awards, the highest individual honour bestowed by the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana.
The award, a symbol of professional distinction, was fiercely contested, but Madam Kum’s transformative work, visionary leadership and measurable impact across the energy sector set her apart.
When her name was announced, Madam Kum rose to the stage with tears of gratitude—reflecting not simply the pride of personal achievement but the culmination of two decades of resilience, reinvention and purpose-driven communication.
“From Stratcom Africa, Newmont to Vivo Energy, among others, to my present position at Vivo, I have learnt the task of using customer insights to create measurable impacts… though I have asked myself many questions during difficult times… it has paid off today,” she said, acknowledging her mentees, colleagues and mentors who had contributed to her professional journey.
Madam Kum’s story is one of vision, discipline and a relentless drive to elevate the practice of public relations beyond publicity into a strategic force within business.
With nearly 20 years of experience spanning media, mining and petroleum, she has built a reputation as one of Ghana’s most versatile and impactful communications leaders.
Her career has woven through some of the country’s most influential institutions, including the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Stratcomm Africa and Newmont Golden Ridge Limited, before assuming her current role at Vivo Energy Ghana, licensee of the Shell brand.
At Vivo Energy Ghana, Shirley has redefined what corporate communications can achieve in a highly regulated, highly competitive sector.
Under her leadership, communications has moved from a support function to a key strategic driver—one that leverages data, behaviour insights, stakeholder intelligence and creative storytelling to shape purchasing decisions, influence public opinion and strengthen the company’s brand equity.
She has positioned Vivo Energy as a trusted, responsible and community-oriented market leader, blending reputation management with corporate responsibility in ways that demonstrate authenticity, foresight and consistency.
Her work has earned the company both local and international recognition.
Through award-winning campaigns—spanning safety awareness, sustainability, environmental responsibility, road safety advocacy and community development—Shirley has helped distinguish the brand from competitors and entrenched it as an industry benchmark.
Her holistic approach to stakeholder engagement, sometimes described by peers as “360-degree communication,” ensures that every touchpoint with the public reflects a unified message of excellence, safety and trust.
One of Madam Kum’s standout qualities is her ability to navigate complex and sensitive environments.
Her expertise in crisis communication, public participation processes, regulatory affairs and media relations has fortified the company’s relationship with government institutions, customers, civil society and local communities.
Because of her strategic clarity, crisis-handling competence and transparency, Vivo Energy Ghana has enjoyed reputational stability even amidst industry-wide challenges.
Beyond the corporate sphere, Shirley has also become a respected mentor, role model and advocate for women in communications and the energy sector.
She leads the award-winning ShePower Project, a mentorship and empowerment initiative that invests in the next generation of female leaders.
Her dedication to nurturing young professionals has earned her admiration across the industry and speaks to her belief that leadership is most meaningful when it creates pathways for others.
Her impact is not limited to her workplace. Shirley serves on the Governing Council of the African University of Communications and Business.
She has also held key roles within IPR Ghana as Honorary Secretary and Governing Council Member, and contributed to national efforts as a member of the publicity and international affairs committee of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she represented IPR on the Government’s Communications Team, lending her expertise at a time when communication was fundamental to public health and national cohesion.
A respected professional and a lifelong learner, Madam Kum is an alumna of the University of Ghana, the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, and the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now UNIMAC).
She is an Accredited Member of IPR Ghana, a member of Women in PR Ghana, and a passionate advocate for ethical, research-based and impact-driven communications practice.
Yet beyond the accolades, positions and campaign successes, Madam Kum is known for her humility, her empathy, and her unwavering commitment to excellence.
She is a mother of three, a mentor to many, and a beacon for young women who aspire to thrive in demanding corporate landscapes.
Her recognition as Public Relations Personality of the Year not only honours her work over the past year—it celebrates a career defined by innovation, integrity and influence.
In an era where communications shape corporate credibility and societal trust, Madam Kum stands as a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose and when storytelling is anchored in authenticity and service.
Her journey continues to inspire the profession, elevating standards and reminding practitioners that public relations is not merely about managing images—it is about shaping values, strengthening institutions, and creating meaningful impact in the lives of people.
Madam Kum’s company, Vivo Energy Ghana, also won two awards. They are-PR Organisation of the Year (Commercial)- Vivo Energy Ghana, and Best Promotional Event – Vivo Energy’s Fit2Drive Road Safety and Wellness Campaign.
The award nights also saw Professor Kojo Yankah receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Dr Ekow Spio-Garbrah, celebrated as the PR legend of the year for his meritorious services both at home and abroad.
The PR discovery of the year went to Kenneth Adam, with the UPSA emerging as the best student chapter.
Dr Spio-Garbrah said reimagining PR in the contemporary world would require practitioners to put their shoulders into proper communication research to meet audience expectations for satisfaction and enhance society.
He said: “Research and development is key to the work you do as Relations Officers, and you can only create value when you adopt the appropriate technologies, research to ensure that societal needs are met.”
Dr Spio-Garbrah noted the critical role of Public Relations Officers in nation building and urged them to consistently communicate the right message to strengthen public cohesion and development aspirations, particularly within the public sector.
Madam Esther Cobbah, the President of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana, urged the members to return home with a renewed commitment to the future of the Institute, making it a formidable force in the country’s affairs.
Meanwhile, Leonard Yert was adjudged the most outstanding Agency, while the Public Sector PR organisation was swept by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, PR Telecommunication was taken by MTN, Vivo Energy was the PR organisation of the year, and Karpowership won the energy and utilities award.
The best in environment and climate communication was taken by Stratcom Africa, while GRA took the digital and social media communication campaign of the year.
MTN Ghana took the Corporate Communications, while GRA was adjudged the PR company/communication of the year, with Karpowership winning the Community Relations programme, and MTN picked the crisis and issues communication award.
Water Aid, an NGO, took the non-profit sector award, with Vivo Energy becoming the Best promotional events organiser.
In all, 18 entries were received for 26 categories.
Earlier, in an opening ceremony, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, urged them to use positive communications as an instrument for change in communities.
“Shape the minds of the public towards one development cause of nation building…let public relations work well for the holistic growth of Ghana,” he added.
The annual event of the astute Institute, hosted by the Western Region, was used to reflect on the year under review, chart a positive path for the future, induct fresh members into the Institute, as well as a moment to wine and dine and fraternise.
Source: Elvis Darko
