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.

Decades of Leadership: Geddy Laryea and Ghana’s Marketing Evolution.

Mr. Reginald Daniel Laryea, affectionately, called ‘Geddy’ is the Managing Director, Media Majique and Research Systems (Media Majique or MMRS).

As the Managing Director of MMRS Mr. Laryea provides strategic leadership across Below-The-Line (BTL) activations, consultancy, research, branding, and merchandise production. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to building a communications firm that blends creativity, insight, and execution excellence.

Mr. Laryea developed his expertise in advertising strategy and media buying working on a wide range of local and multinational campaigns that successfully connected brands with audiences across Ghana and, in some cases, the wider West African sub-region. This experience laid a solid foundation in high-impact communication strategy, effective media investment management, and a deep understanding of the advertising industry.

Building on this foundation, Mr. Laryea was invited to become the Ghanaian partner within the global Ogilvy network in Ghana, serving as Chairman and the only Ghanaian shareholder. While holding this position, he has continued to retain the Chief Executive role at Media Majique and Research Systems, ensuring continuity of leadership and vision.

Under his leadership, Media Majique has successfully partnered with public institutions, corporate organisations, NGOs, and development partners, delivering campaigns that combine strategic insight with creative execution.

Mr. Laryea’s vision continues to shape Media Majique as a firm distinguished by originality, professionalism, and an immeasurable impact within Ghana’s communications and marketing landscape.

Media Majique and Research Systems (Media Majique), As An Advertising Agency

Media Majique and Research Systems Limited (Media Majique) was founded in 1989 by Mr. Reginald D. Laryea, establishing itself as Ghana’s pioneering marketing communications agency. Over the past 35 years, the agency has achieved numerous awards, accolades, and key milestones, transforming businesses and brands across multiple industries.

Media Majique is a communications and marketing firm delivering Below-The-Line (BTL) activations, consultancy, research, branding, and branded merchandise production, with a strong focus on originality and impact. Guided by its tagline, “We Make It Unique,” the firm approaches every project with fresh thinking and tailored solutions designed to meet specific client needs.

The firm’s mission is to deliver exceptional marketing and communication solutions with a purpose-driven approach. By upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence, Media Majique empowers businesses and institutions to achieve their full potential and thrive in competitive markets.

It specializes in designing and executing BTL campaigns that connect brands directly with their audiences through community engagement, experiential marketing, and targeted promotional activities. These campaigns are supported by research and strategic consultancy, ensuring that messaging is relevant, audience-focused, and results-driven.

In addition, the firm provides strategic consulting, marketing, digital communication, and comprehensive branding services, including print, merchandise, and production solutions. From concept development to execution, Media Majique translates brand identity into high-quality visual assets and promotional materials that stand out in competitive environments.

With a team of experienced consultants, researchers, and production professionals, Media Majique continues to support public institutions, corporate organisations, NGOs, and development partners, helping brands communicate with clarity, creativity, and distinction.

Member Spotlight: Mrs. Norkor Akua Duah

BRIEF PROFILE OF NORKOR AKUA DUAH (NEE OMABOE)
Mrs. Norkor Akua Duah is a communication specialist with over 3 decades of experience in Brand Building which is reflected in her role of creating most of Ghana’s successful brands in the Marketing communication field.


She is the Managing Director of Mullen Lowe Accra also known as Lintas Ghana Ltd. an Integrated Communications company affiliated to Mullen Lowe Worldwide and Partners, a member of the InterPublic Group of Companies, and she has an oversight role as the Group C.E.O of The Advantage Group (TAG) which comprises Mullen Lowe Accra, Prodesign Ltd, FM24 Ltd and Media Initiative.


Norkor has developed exceptional qualities in Health Communications and Behavioural Change communications. Her expertise in this arena has seen her champion award-winning Public Sector Health campaigns supported by Development Partners as well as Private Sector initiatives over the years.

From an industry perspective, Norkor is currently the Vice President/Area Director, Africa of the International Advertising Association (IAA), a Past President of the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) and a founding member of the Ghana Design Network (GDN). She also serves on several boards of highly reputable companies in Ghana.


In 2009, she was awarded the “2008 CIMG Marketing Woman of the Year” for her distinguished contribution to the advertising industry, “Best Entrepreneur Advertising/ Marketing Communication of the Year” Award in 2011 at the Ghana Entrepreneur Awards.

She received the Medal For Merit Award in 2013 for being a promoter of IA programs in Africa, and being the first Vice-President Development-Africa to serve on Exco of the IAA. She also received the Advertising Association of Ghana’s (AAG) 2015 Distinguished Personality Award, including several other accolades.

She was honored with the IAA Inspire Champions award at the 2018 IAA Global Conference for her exceptional leadership and continuous effort in expanding the IAA footprint in Africa most especially through the formation of new chapters. She was in 2019 awarded for her dedication and commitment to the development of Advertising in Ghana at the 4th Ghana Women in Excellence Awards.

She was awarded in 2020 for her Outstanding Contribution to Marketing (Agency) at the 10th Women In Marketing Global Awards.In 2022, she received a Creative Impact Award from the 3Music Awards Women
Brunch for her extensive work and impact in the creative industry.

She also received a Hall of Fame Award from the Ghana CEO Excellence Awards for her leadership and achievements in the Advertising sector of Ghana.

Norkor finds great joy in giving back to society, which finds her in associations like Zonta International, of which she has held many positions. She is also a strong advocate of Girl Child education and as such is involved in promoting reading in children while supporting education amongst the less privileged i.e. The IAA OBAA Project.