The evolution of advertising in Ghana

In the dynamic world of advertising, change is the only constant. As consumer behavior evolves and new technologies emerge, the advertising landscape in Ghana has gone through some significant transformation. At the forefront of this evolution is the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG), an organization that has been instrumental in shaping the industry, advocating for best practices, and fostering creativity.

A legacy of excellence

The Advertising Association of Ghana was was first incorporated in 1989 with the mission to promote and protect the interests of advertising and advertising agencies in Ghana. Over the years, AAG has worked hard to become the cornerstone of the industry, guiding the ethical standards and creative direction of advertising in the country together with its leading member agencies. From its inception, AAG has been committed to ensuring that advertising not only drives business success but also contributes positively to society.

Adapting to a digital world

The past decade has seen a seismic shift in the way brands connect with consumers. The rise of digital media has revolutionized advertising, providing new platforms and tools for creativity. Social media, search engines, and other breakthroughs in digital advertising have become indispensable in reaching today’s tech-savvy audience.

AAG has been proactive in guiding its members through this digital transformation. The association has organized numerous workshops, seminars, and training programs to equip advertisers with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital space. By fostering innovation and encouraging the adoption of new technologies, AAG has ensured that Ghanaian advertising agencies remain competitive on the globally.

Championing creativity

At the heart of advertising is creativity, and AAG has devised many ways to celebrate and encourage creativity in the industry. One of AAG’s established ways of celebrating creativity and stimulating competitive creativity has been through its annual Gong Gong awards. The Gong Gong Awards event celebrates the best in Ghanaian advertising, highlighting campaigns that push boundaries and set new benchmarks for the industry.

These awards not only recognize excellence but also inspire the next generation of advertisers. By showcasing the work of top agencies, AAG encourages creativity and innovation across the industry. The association’s commitment to nurturing talent ensures that Ghana remains a hub of creative excellence in Africa.

Advocating for ethical advertising

As advertising plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, AAG has been a staunch advocate for ethical practices. The association has established a code of conduct that all members must adhere to, ensuring that advertising in Ghana is honest, responsible, and respectful.

AAG’s efforts in promoting ethical advertising have been crucial in building trust between brands and consumers. By holding its members to high standards, AAG ensures that advertising not only drives economic growth but also offer consumers and the public the opportunity to make the right choices among competing brands.

Looking to the future

As we look to the future, the Advertising Association of Ghana remains committed to its mission of advancing quality and world-class excellence in the industry. With the rapid pace of technological change and the increasing importance of digital media, AAG is looking to connect its members with leading organizations world-wide so that the advertising industry in Ghana stays on top of the global trends.

AAG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS MEET WITH THE MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Accra, July 3, 2020 – The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) Executive Council members led by it’s President – Mr. Torgbor Mensah on Friday, July 3, 2020 met with the Minister of Trade and Industry, Honorable Alan Kojo Kyeremateng at the Ministry of Trade and Industry to discuss the progress of the Draft Advertising Council Bill.

Advertising Council Bill
The Advertising Council Bill establishes the Advertising Council to regulate the practice of advertising, register practitioners and license advertising companies. The council is to prescribe and approve courses of study for the advertising profession and to ensure that advertising is legal, honest and fruitful and that advertising protects the best interest of the consumer.

In 2016, Cabinet approved  on the memoranda from the Ministry of Trade and Industry on the Advertising Council Bill. The draft Bill in that same year was gazetted by the Government press and presented to Cabinet after which it was presented to the last parliament where the first reading was heard on 11th October, 2016 after which the parliament elapsed.

The President of AAG, Mr. Torgbor Mensah addressing the Minister, stated the many engagements the members of the Executive Council of the AAG have had with the Ministry and it’s high level interest to support the process of getting the Bill passed together with the Ministry of Information. He mentioned efforts are sedated. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Honorable Alan Kyeremateng, assured the Executive Council members of AAG of expediting the process so advertising practitioners are properly guided by the Bill.

Boosting Intra-African Trade (BIAT)
The Honorable Minister mentioned that as part of the Government’s efforts to tackle the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Ghana, the ministry is in the process of operationalizing the implementation structures for a National Programme of Action for the Boosting Intra-African Trade (BIAT).  He stated that, accordingly, Technical Working Groups on the five priority sectors (business, communication, transportation, tourism and financial services) have been set up to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the BIAT.

Mr. Francis Dadzie, the Executive Director of the Advertising Association of Ghana has been appointed together with other Senior Officers to serve on the Trade in Services Technical Working Group (Business and Finance Services).

The Minister during the meeting also addressed the need for the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) to support Small Scale Industries and young entrepreneurs with requisite skills on how to brand and position their businesses in the minds of their consumers for good brand image and also on how to grow their Individual brands in unprecedented times.

Other members present at the meeting were; Professor Tim Acquah-Hayford, AAG Past President ; Mr. Reginald Laryea, AAG Past President; Mr. Francis Dadzie, AAG Executive Director;  Mr. Terrick Nii Obodai Torgbor, AAG Executive Assistant; the Honorable Minister’s team; Mr. Patrick Y. Nimo – Ag. Chief Director, Mr. Michael Opoku, Nana Yaw Adutwum, Mr. Kofi Amenya, Mad. Abena Esabo Afful and Mr. Eric Dwamena.

AAG JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

The Advertising Association of Ghana like the many sectors affected by the novel Covid-19 pandemic joins government to fight against the virus.

During the Press brief on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, by the Information Minister, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, at the Ministry of Information,
the AAG represented by the Executive Director, Mr. Francis Dadzie donated 50 billboards and presented its Covid-19 Awareness plan to the Minister.

The AAG Covid-19 Awareness plan analyses the impact of the pandemic and strategies the Association is adopting to support the fight against the virus. The Awareness plan itemizes strategies such as Radio drama series, TV testimonials, TV animation videos, TV advocacy videos, citizen-led community responses and strategies for online and social media.

The Advertising Association of Ghana as part of its strategies has donated 50 billboards worth Ghc906,000, flighted to educate the publics against the spread of the corona virus. In addition, advocacy videos in various languages are being telecast to create awareness in deprived communities.

Accra, Ghana
April 28, 2020.