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 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.

Top Executive of AAA Advertising School Shares Perspective on AAG-AAA’s “Unlock the Future of Work with AI Training”.

The recent AI training program organized by the Association of Advertising Ghana (AAG) in partnership with the AAA School of Advertising of South Africa brought together industry professionals for an immersive online upskilling experience. AAG sat down with Anthea Whitehead, Faculty Head at the AAA School of Advertising in Cape Town, who played a central role in designing and delivering the training. Here’s her take on how it went and what’s follow next.

Balancing Overwhelm with Breakthrough Moments:

Attendees were introduced to tools and concepts that many had never used before. It was like watching someone see the moon landing for the first time.” “Some days, the amount of information was overwhelming,” Anthea admits. “

To improve future sessions, she suggests a “50% presentation, 50% play” model.
“Giving people toolkits in advance asking them to explore ChatGPT Pro, for example would help them engage more deeply during the live sessions.”

Why AI is No Longer Optional:

When asked whether agencies can afford to ignore AI, Anthea is clear:

“If you’re not using AI, you’re not in business.”

But she emphasizes that AI should serve as a collaborator, not a creator.
“Use it to test ideas, check originality, gather insights. It shouldn’t replace creativity it should refine it.”

Beyond AI: Back to Industry Fundamentals:

While AI dominated the agenda, Anthea sees a parallel need for training in advertising basics:
“How to write a good brief, manage client expectations, run projects on budget these are evergreen skills.”

She advocates for micro-learning shorts, focused sessions that professionals can fit into their schedules.

Africanizing AI: The Next Frontier:

One theme stood out above others: the need to localize AI.
“Right now, AI thinks in Western paradigms. We need tools that understand African contexts, languages, and consumer behavior.”

For Anthea, the training was not a conclusion but a launch:
“This wasn’t a finale it was a start. We’re now looking at how we can build an African knowledge community.”

Parting Thought:

“I’m leaving inspired,” Anthea says. “The engagement especially from Ghana was incredible. This is the start of something new, and I can’t wait to see where it goes.”

Anthea Whitehead is Faculty Head of Marketing and Advertising at the AAA School of Advertising, Cape Town. She has extensive experience in advertising education and played a key role in developing AAG’s recent AI training program.