In a move signaling a new era of strategic governance, the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) formally inaugurated the Gong Gong Awards Board on Thursday 11th December at the Airport West Hotel. The historic swearing-in ceremony of the 10-member board marks a decisive step toward refining the nation’s premier creative awards and amplifying Ghana’s voice in the international advertising and creative ecosystem.
The event drew a gathering of industry stakeholders, media, and dignitaries who witnessed the board members take their oath of office. With its diverse composition spanning academia, media, agencies, and client-side leadership, the board was tasked to bring fresh perspective and rigorous standards into the awards framework.
In his inaugural address, Andrew Ackah, CEO of Dentsu Ghana and the President of Advertising Association of Ghana, framed the board’s mission in ambitious terms. “This is not merely an administrative body,” Mr. Ackah stated. “Our collective mandate is to elevate the Gong Gong Awards to international benchmarks, ensuring they become a true beacon of excellence that recognizes and rewards the phenomenal talent within Ghana’s creative sector.”
The newly constituted board represents a cross-section of industry heavyweights:
Guiding the academic perspective is Dr. Mrs. Linda Narh, a Lecturer and Coordinator at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The media realm is represented by Afeafa Nfojoh, General Manager of Adesa Productions Ltd.
The agency and creative industry cohort features a roster of leaders: Russel Eni (Insel Communications), Grace Adzo Andoh (Art Excel), Anand Badami (Publicis West Africa), Nicolette Amaeshi (Pulse GH), Justin Darkwa (Rezultz Advertising), and Russell Banful (Brandflow).
Representing the client-side is Lasisi Andre Tayo Jnr, Head of Brand, Marketing Communications & Events at Telecel.
The inauguration program blended ceremony with clarity of purpose, featuring opening remarks, the formal swearing-in, and focused discussions on the board’s forthcoming responsibilities. While the group has yet to hold its first working session, the event unequivocally established their role as the custodians of the awards’ integrity and future trajectory.
The establishment of the Gong Gong Awards Board is widely seen as a direct response to the rapid growth and increasing sophistication of Ghana’s creative economy. By installing a body dedicated to governance, excellence, and global relevance, the AAG aims not only to enhance the prestige of the awards but also to catalyze broader industry innovation and professional development.
With this new governing engine now in place, the Ghanaian creative sector watches with anticipation, expecting the Gong Gong Awards to transform into a more powerful platform that celebrates local genius while demanding world-class quality.