AAG Engages Government to Make Its Billboards Demolition Exercise More Transparent.

Government’s initiative to decongest and sanitize the sky spaces of the Ghana’s big cities through billboards demolitions, has had to be slowed down for a while due to concerns raised by the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG).  AAG held a press briefing on Tuesday 17th March to clarify the industry’s position on the demolition exercise.

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs set up a committee in October, last year, with the mandate to roll out decongestion exercises across the country to sanitise the sky spaces of big cities due to the proliferation of billboards. The committee began its work by marking billboards within four municipal assemblies in Accra (La Dade-Kotopon, Korley-Clottey, Ayawaso West and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly). The marking exercise was followed by some demolition exercises, which have been met with a great deal of resistance from the AAG.

In AAG’s press briefing, the President of the association, Andrew Ackah, stated that although AAG has been at the forefront of calling for decongestion and regularisation of the outdoor sector, it is questioning questioned government as to why advertising industry players were not engaged before the demolitions began. Another concern of the AAG, according to the President, was that there was no clear and transparent plan communicated to relevant stakeholders and industry players. According to AAG, the association has a better plan that would make the demolition and decongestion exercise much easier for the government.

As a result of AAG’s push-back, two key events have happened: (1) The Greater Accra Regional Minister whose office was blamed for the demolition sent a press statement indicating that the recent demolition exercise was not carried out by the regional ministry; (2) The deputy minister for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy & Religious Affairs, together with the decongestion and demolition committee called for an official engagement with AAG. The deputy minister, who chairs the committee assured the AAG delegation that the issues raised by the association will be considered.

The Lion Hunt: Key Insights from AAG and The Storytellers’ Cannes Lions Workshop

On February 13th, the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG), in partnership with The Storytellers, hosted an intimate workshop at Akuna Group, Labone, followed by a wider Zoom session that brought together over 20 participants from across Ghana. This dual format allowed a small, focused group to engage in person while reaching a broader audience online.

The session began with Venus Tawiah Director of Global Partnership AAG, who provided context on what AAG stands for, its mission, and why its partnership with The Storytellers is pivotal in amplifying Ghanaian creativity on the global stage. Next, Jason Nartey CEO Storytellers shared his personal journey, recounting how creative inspiration led him to win a prestigious Cannes Lion. He emphasized that beyond technique, it’s the spark of creativity that elevates a winning entry.

The final segment featured Marian Branelly, Global Director of Awards at LIONS. Marian offered a deep dive into the awards categories, explaining how certain entries naturally fit specific categories better, and how that strategic alignment can be a game-changer for a jury. Throughout the session, the energy was palpable as attendees asked questions and connected over shared ambitions.

The workshop left everyone inspired, with a clearer understanding of how to craft entries that not only showcase creativity but align strategically with the awards’ criteria. As AAG continues to pave the way, Ghanaian creatives are poised to leave their mark on the global stage.

AAG CREATES OPPORTUNITY FOR AGENCIES TO ACCESS UNENDING POOL OF RESOURCES FOR SUCCESSFUL PITCHES

A special MOU between AAG and Cannes Lions has created the opportunity for all AAG member-agencies to gain access to a globally-acclaimed prestigious pool of resources that has been described by some as “creative steroids”. This Lions resource portal is generally known as “The Work”, and is subscribed to by most of the leading global advertising agencies.

According to the Executive Director of AAG, Isaac Cudjoe, AAG considered two key benefits of the The Work portal before entering into the partnership with the Lions team The portal grants creative agencies access to the world’s most celebrated and award-winning creative campaigns. It serves as a creative ‘cheat code’ for agencies that have access to enable them to enrich their pitches. The portal also serves as a guide to agencies that want to win global awards. Instead of paying 5,000 Euros to access the portal, AAG’s arrangement gives its member (corporate and individual) the opportunity to pay about 500 USD to access the prestigious portal.
Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, the following also serve as a strong reasons why top advertising and marketing communications agencies subscribe to the The Work portal. 

  1. The Work gives you year-round access to data, opinions, analysis and the talents behind the best-in-class work entered into Cannes Lions since 2001.
  2. It’s the world’s leading creative benchmark tool. It gives you access to the core of how to create exceptional work that impacts culture and drives measurable growth.
  3. It’s how you tap into the minds of creative legends and industry leaders.
  4. It’s where you go to harness the trends shaping the industry. It boasts of 100 + Detailed Reports and the LIONS Webinar Series.

For agencies interested in The Work portal, you can reach out to Woodin on 0244440477 or Venus Tawiah on 0502911746.

 

AAG Partners Pitcher Festival for 2026 Young Lions Digital Competition

The Advertising Association of Ghana partnered with the Pitcher Festival for the successful hosting of the 2026 Young Lions Digital Competition, delivered as a joint Ghana and Nigeria initiative. The collaboration reinforces AAG’s commitment to developing emerging creative talent and strengthening West Africa’s presence on the global stage.

The 2026 edition concluded on a high note, featuring strong entries from rising digital professionals who demonstrated strategic depth and effective digital execution. Echo House, one of Ghana’s leading creative agencies, was among the finalists, showcasing exceptional work that reflected the strength of the local creative ecosystem.

AAG’s industry representation was reflected in the appointment of Whitney Thomson, Head of Digital and Account Director at Ogilvy Africa Ghana, who served on the distinguished jury panel. Alongside respected industry leaders from Nigeria and Kenya, the jury upheld rigorous standards in evaluating this year’s entries, ensuring that excellence remained at the forefront of the competition.

In the final outcome, Precious Kassie and Olabode Otolorin of Mavin Global emerged as winners of the 2026 Young Lions Digital Competition. Their work stood out for its clarity, innovation, and strategic execution, earning strong commendation from the jury.

With this win, the duo will represent the region at the Global Young Lions Digital Competition during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, scheduled for 22 to 26 June 2026. Their qualification marks another significant milestone for West African creative talent on the international stage.

AAG also acknowledges all participants who took part in this year’s competition. The quality of submissions, including finalists like Echo House, reflects a growing depth of digital capability within the region’s creative ecosystem.

Through strategic partnerships such as this, AAG continues to advance professional development, industry standards, and global competitiveness for Ghana’s advertising and marketing communications sector.

AAG Connects Ghanaian Students to the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy.

The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has nominated three (3) Ghanaian students to the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy (RHSA), marking Ghana’s entry into one of the world’s most prestigious global talent development platforms within the creative and advertising industry. This is Ghana’s first ever entry into the prestigious academy from the advertising industry in the country.

The Roger Hatchuel Student Academy is a highly competetivelearning programme held annually during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France. The academy is designed for exceptional final-year students and emerging talents in advertising, marketing, communications, media, and related creative disciplines. It brings together a global cohort of young creatives for an immersive experience that includes masterclasses, mentorship, collaborative workshops, and live creative challenges led by leading industry practitioners. Widely regarded as a launchpad for future creative leaders, selection into the Academy is considered a strong endorsement of creative excellence, leadership potential, and readiness for the global stage.

Against this backdrop, the nomination of Ghanaian students represents a significant step forward for the country’s creative ecosystem. Led by the Advertising Association of Ghana, this initiative underscores the Association’s commitment to nurturing young talent, expanding global exposure, and ensuring that Ghanaian perspectives and stories are represented within international creative conversations. This first-ever nomination also signals Ghana’s growing influence and readiness to participate meaningfully in the global creative economy.

Each of the three (3) outstanding students nominated reflects the diversity, depth, and promise of the country’s next generation of creative leaders:

Eliot Serlom Agbedor

Eliot Serlom Agbedor is a communications student at the University of Media, Arts and Communication, majoring in Public Relations. With a vibrant and energetic communication style deeply rooted in African storytelling, Eliot represents a multidisciplinary creative voice spanning writing, fashion, content creation, lifestyle media, acting, storytelling, and directing. His academic and professional journey is driven by a commitment to purposeful, human-centred communication. Notable highlights include leading his team to first place in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Advertising Campaign Competition, alongside hands-on experience in news writing, reporting, producing, voice-over artistry, and event hosting. Eliot’s work reflects a strong focus on impact, leadership, and storytelling with intent.

 

Amaris Bedwei

Amaris is a final-year marketing student at Lancaster University, Ghana, with a passion for multidisciplinary creativity. A filmmaker, creative director, editor, and social media manager, she approaches her career with curiosity, experimentation, and bold creative ambition. Rather than being confined by titles, Amaris has consistently chosen creativity across mediums, including filmmaking, marketing, and editorial work. Her work is driven by a desire to tell stories that resonate emotionally and culturally, while exploring different forms of expression. Through the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy, she seeks to sharpen her skills, gain global exposure, and build the confidence and tools required to navigate the creative industry with clarity and intention.

Naa Odarkor Mills

Naa Odarkor Mills is a final-year journalism and mass communication student whose creative identity is shaped by a deep love for photography, film, language, and storytelling. Fluent in Ga and inspired by Ghanaian culture, Naa is motivated by a desire to use storytelling to take Ghana to the world while bringing global perspectives back home. Her early aspirations included documentary and wildlife photography, and while her career ambitions have evolved, her commitment to storytelling remains central. Drawn to advertising through the rich narrative tradition of classic Ghanaian commercials, she is particularly interested in how brands can use culture, language, and emotion to create meaningful connections. Through her photography work with emerging Ghanaian brands, Naa actively explores this intersection of storytelling and brand building. She seeks the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy experience to learn how bold ideas are shaped, and how culturally grounded stories can travel globally without losing their roots.

As the selection process progresses, and should the nominees be officially admitted into the Academy in Cannes, support from agencies, organisations, and industry stakeholders will be essential. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities will help ensure that Ghana’s representatives are able to fully participate in this global programme, maximising the learning, exposure, and long-term benefits for the individuals involved and for the industry as a whole.

Through this landmark initiative, the Advertising Association of Ghana continues to demonstrate leadership in talent development, international collaboration, and the strategic positioning of Ghana as an emerging force within the global creative economy.

Lynn Osei-Bonsu, the Face Behind the Nuru Experience.

Lynn Osei-Bonsu is an accomplished Communications Strategist and Consultant with over 20 years of experience. Lynn is the Managing Director of Nuru Group, a pan-African and Middle Eastern strategic communications and advisory firm specializing in public-sector visibility, development communication, sustainability storytelling, and national impact campaigns. She excels in orchestrating successful communication campaigns that are both timely and sensitive to public needs.

Throughout her career, Lynn has held various leadership roles including as Corporate Relations Manager and Head of Corporate Affairs at multinational corporations. Her extensive consulting experience spans non-profits, media, government, and manufacturing sectors, where she has honed her skills in strategic leadership, efficient management, and inspirational mentorship. Lynn holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Ghana, Legon. Her academic background has provided a strong foundation for her professional achievements.

Her impressive portfolio includes numerous successful projects where she has provided strategic communications counsel to private sector organizations, helping them meet their marketing objectives. Additionally, she has contributed technical expertise to government initiatives, working with entities such as the Ministry of Communications and the National Communications Authority to leverage communication campaigns for social impact. She has also collaborated with the West African Genetic Medicine Centre at the University of Ghana to implement the Genome Project, a campaign aimed at raising public awareness and driving social change regarding sickle cell disease. Under Sustainable Communications, she led the transformative circular economy campaign for MINIPLAST LTD. that reframed plastic waste from an environmental burden into a catalyst for entrepreneurship.

Lynn has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field, having received numerous awards including Ghana’s most respected CEO in PR consultancy. She is currently enrolled in the Strategic Coach Program, the recognized world leader in entrepreneurial coaching.

She is an active member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, and through Nuru, a member of Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG); Lynn remains at the forefront of industry developments. She currently serves as the Strategic Communications Adviser for TAG International, and continues to apply her expertise in enhancing organizational communication strategies and outcomes.

GONG GONG AWARDS TO BE BETTER POSITIONED WITH NEW GONG GONG BOARD INAUGURATED

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.