The Creative Convergence: Human Craft Meets the Speed of Code
This year, the Gong Gong Festival of Creativity& Awards has reached a different level of excitement. We are stepping into a future that is highly relevant to global industry trends defined by a theme that celebrates the industry’s evolution:The Creative Convergence: AI and Human Craft in Advertising. The Advertising Association of Ghana proudly presents the 18th edition of an event that has, over the years, become the most prestigious recognition of advertising excellence in Ghana and beyond.
“Craft is the soul. Code is the accelerator. Together, they define the next era of Ghanaian advertising.”
In an age of rapid technological shifts, one thing is being clarified by this year’s theme for the Gong Gongs: human creativity remains a central focus. While “Code” brings the speed, precision, and innovation required to compete in today’s fast-moving landscape, it is “Craft”: the artistry, the storytelling, the cultural soul that truly moves people. This is not a debate between technology and humanity. It is a celebration of their collaboration. The tools have changed; the standard of the work has been raised higher.
The 18th Gong Gong Festival of Creativity and Awards represents a significant and intentional step forward for the AAG. By embracing this convergence as our theme, we ensure that the industry remains at the cutting edge of global trends while honouring the timeless skill of the Ghanaian creative.
THE AWARDS FRAMEWORK
The 7 Pillars of Excellence
To reflect the full breadth of modern advertising, the 18th Gong Gong Awards are structured across seven distinct pillars. Each pillar captures a different dimension of the “Code and Craft” philosophy, ensuring that every form of creative and strategic work in the industry has a home at this year’s awards.
01 Integrated Campaign:
Best Integrated Campaign and Campaign Effectiveness
02 Craft:
Best Film; Print; Radio; OOH; Design and Production Company of the Year
03 Purpose & Impact:
Gong Gong for Good and Cultural Impact
04 Media:
Excellence in Strategy; Excellence in Media Planning; Best Media Idea/Innovation
05 Digital & Technology:
Best Use of Digital; Social Media; AI & Creative Tech, Innovation
06 Brand Experience & Content:
Activation; Branded Content; Influencer & Creator Economy
07 People & Industry:
Young Creative of the Year; Agency of the Year and Brand of the Year
Eligibility & Entry Information
The 18th Gong Gong Awards will celebrate campaigns/works released between January 2025 and March 2026. This eligibility window has been carefully chosen to capture the most recent wave of creative output from agencies, brands, and independent creators across Ghana.
Entry fees remain unchanged at GHC 1,500 per entry. It is a deliberate decision by the Gong Gong Board to keep the competition accessible to agencies of all sizes. Whether you are a major network agency or an independent studio, the Gong Gong stage is yours.
A special briefing session with the Gong Gong board and the awards portal designer will be held in May to guide all participating agencies through the entry submission process. Details of the date and format will be communicated shortly. Agencies are strongly encouraged to attend so that no outstanding work misses its moment.
KEY DATES & THE ROAD TO JULY
The Journey to the Main Event
From the moment entries open to the grand awards night at the Labadi Beach Hotel, the coming weeks are packed with activity. Below is the complete roadmap. Save these dates and plan your submissions accordingly.
MILESTONE DATE DETAILS
Entries Open May 22, 2026 Submission portal goes live. All eligible work from Jan 2025 Mar 2026 can be entered.
Portal Briefing May 2026 (TBC) Board and portal designer walk agencies through the entry navigation process.
Entry Deadline June 14, 2026 Final date for all submissions. Entry fee: GHC 1,500 per entry.
Judging Period June 15 – July 7 All seven jury panels, led by the appointed Jury Presidents, evaluate submissions.
Advertising Week July 13 – 24, 2026 A week-long celebration of industry excellence, forums, and networking.
Awards Night July 25, 2026. The grand ceremony at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra. The pinnacle of Ghana’s creative calendar.
Looking Ahead
There are Loads of events lined up that would lead into the Gong Gong Awards night itself. Ready to enter? Submit your best work at www.aag.com.gh | Deadline: June 14, 2026 | GHC 1,500 per entry