The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has officially transitioned its industry training programmes into a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training framework, marking a significant shift in how advertising professionals within member-agencies are trained, certified and prepared for long-term career growth.
Previously, AAG organized intensive three-day or six-day workshops for its members. According to the Executive Director of AAG, Isaac Cudjoe, the AAG Council after deep and prolonged deliberations, has streamlined it’s professional training into a structured three-month continuous learning programme designed to offer deeper engagement, sustained learning and recognised industry certification.
From Short Courses to Structured CPD
In an interview with the Chairman of the Education & Professional Development Committee, Bright Ladzekpo, he announced that the newly introduced CPD programme would be rolled out this year (2026) over a 13-week period, from April to June. Mr. Ladzekpo said the CPD programmes have a two-tier structure: one tailor-made for new entrants and junior-level practitioners; and another crafted for managers and unit directors.
The core advertising foundations training meant for entry-level and junior level practitioners will be in-person sessions on Saturdays, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, allowing working professionals to participate without disrupting their weekday schedules. There will be some specific refresher programmes for professional within the C-Suite bracket (CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Executive Directors, etc).
This shift reflects AAG’s commitment to aligning professional training with global best practices, where continuous learning, assessment and certification are central to career progression within the advertising industry.
What the CPD Programme Covers
The Core Foundation CPD programme is designed for entry-level and junior professionals, as well as job seekers looking to build a solid grounding in advertising. Facilitated by senior management and unit directors from AAG member agencies, the programme spans key areas of industry practice.
The first phase that will begin from May 2nd to May 30th, focuses on advertising fundamentals and digital mastery. Participants will be introduced to the advertising ecosystem, agency structures, creative processes, copywriting, art direction, and digital and social media advertising.
From June 6 to June 27, the programme moves into media strategy and client relations, covering media planning and buying, budgeting, negotiations, account management and client servicing.
The final phase, from July 4 to July 25, centres on innovation and professional standards. Topics include the practical application of AI tools in advertising, integrated agency workflows, ethics, compliance and professional conduct. The programme concludes with a capstone review and assessment, which forms part of the CPD validation process.
Industry Certification and Career Progression
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants receive CPD recognition, reinforcing their professional credentials within the advertising industry. This certification supports career progression and ensures practitioners remain current with evolving industry standards, tools and ethical requirements.
Beyond the Foundation Level
The CPD framework extends beyond the Core Foundation programme. AAG will also deliver Advanced and Executive-level learning through the AAG Masterclass series and the AAG C-Suite Executive & Leadership Development Series.
The AAG Masterclass sessions are scheduled for May 2026. These masterclasses target managers and unit directors, with a focus on data-driven marketing and analytics, integrated campaign and brand management as well as generative AI and technology for advertising. Executive or C-suite-level sessions will follow later in the year, addressing issues topics on how to build solid agency leadership, attracting & retaining top agency talent as well as modules on winning pitches and strategic account leadership. These modules will be facilitated by global and regional industry leaders.
A New Era for Professional Development
The move from short-term training to a continuous, structured learning pathway signals a long-term investment in people, professionalism and the future of the industry.
More details on registration, certification requirements and programme schedules will be shared in subsequent communications.