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.
