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 Shirley’s transformative work, visionary leadership, and measurable impact across the energy sector set her apart.
A career marked by passion and purpose
When her name was announced, Shirley 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 Stratcomm 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.
Transforming PR into a strategic force
Shirley Tony Kum’s story is one of vision, discipline, and a relentless drive to elevate the practice of public relations beyond publicity into a strategic business driver.
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.
Leading communications at Vivo Energy
At Vivo Energy Ghana, Shirley has redefined what corporate communications can achieve in a highly regulated, competitive sector.
Under her leadership, communications has moved from a support function to a key strategic driver—leveraging 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.
Award-winning campaigns and industry recognition
Shirley’s work has earned Vivo Energy both local and international recognition.
Through award-winning campaigns—spanning safety awareness, sustainability, environmental responsibility, road safety advocacy, and community development—she has helped distinguish the brand from competitors and entrenched it as an industry benchmark.
Her holistic approach to stakeholder engagement, sometimes described as “360-degree communication,” ensures that every touchpoint with the public reflects a unified message of excellence, safety, and trust.
Expertise beyond the boardroom
One of Shirley’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 relationships 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.
Mentorship and advocacy for women
Beyond the corporate sphere, Shirley has 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.
National and professional contributions
Shirley’s impact extends beyond her workplace. She serves on the governing council of the African University of Communications and Business, has held key roles within IPR Ghana as Honorary Secretary and Governing Council Member, and contributed to national efforts as part 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 when communication was critical for public health and national cohesion.
A lifelong learner, Shirley is an alumna of the University of Ghana, the University of Leicester (UK), 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.
Humility, excellence, and inspiration
Yet beyond accolades, positions, and campaign successes, Shirley Tony Kum is known for her humility, empathy, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
She is a mother of three, a mentor to many, and a beacon for young women aspiring to thrive in demanding corporate landscapes.
Her recognition as Public Relations Personality of the Year honours not only her work over the past year but a career defined by innovation, integrity, and influence.
In an era where communications shape corporate credibility and societal trust, Shirley stands as a testament to what is possible when passion meets purpose, and storytelling is anchored in authenticity and service.
Celebrating the PR industry
The award night also saw Professor Kojo Yankah receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Dr Ekow Spio-Garbrah was celebrated as PR Legend of the Year for his meritorious services both at home and abroad.
Mr Kenneth Adam won PR Discovery of the Year, and UPSA emerged as the best student chapter.
Leonard Yert was adjudged Most Outstanding Agency, the Ministry of Roads and Highways won the Public Sector PR award, MTN won PR Telecommunication, Vivo Energy took PR Organisation of the Year, and Karpowership won Energy and Utilities. Stratcom Africa won for Environment and Climate Communication, GRA for Digital and Social Media Campaign, and WaterAid for Non-Profit Sector Communication. Vivo Energy also received recognition as Best Promotional Events Organiser.
The annual event, hosted by the Western Region, provided a platform to reflect on the past year, chart a positive path for the future, induct fresh members, and celebrate professional achievements.
Nana Kobina Nketsia V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, urged practitioners to use communications as an instrument for positive change and nation-building.
“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 advised.
