Meet the 10-member Board inaugurated by AAG to organise 2026 Gong Gong Awards
The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has inaugurated a 10-member Board mandated to provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the 2026 Gong Gong Festival of Creativity & Awards.
The Board will also be responsible for financial stewardship, securing partnerships and sponsorships, and overseeing monitoring and evaluation for the entire awards ceremony, scheduled for June next year.
The Gong Gong Festival of Creativity & Awards is held annually to celebrate and honour exceptional creativity, innovation, and impact within the advertising and marketing communications industry.
Given the growing scale, significance, and reputation of the Festival, the AAG has established a dedicated Gong Gong Festival Board to strengthen governance and ensure the continued success of the programme.
The Board was unveiled at a short ceremony in Accra last Thursday.
Board Members
The 2026 Gong Gong Awards Board comprises the following members:
Andrew Ackah, President of the AAG (Non-voting member)
Dr Mrs Linda Narh, Lecturer and Coordinator, University of Professional Studies, Accra (Academia)
Afeafa Nfojoh, General Manager, Adesa Productions Ltd (Media)
Russel Eni, Director, Insel Communications Ltd (Agency/Industry)
Grace Adzo Andoh, CEO, Art Excel (Agency/Industry)
Anand Badami, SVP, Publicis West Africa (Agency/Industry)
Nicolette Amaeshi, Managing Director, Pulse Ghana (Agency/Industry)
Justin Darkwa, COO, Rezultz Advertising (Agency/Industry)
Russell Banful, Managing Director, Brandflow (Agency/Industry)
Lasisi Andre Tayo Jnr, Head of Brand, Marketing Communications and Events, Telecel (Client Side/Industry)
Per the terms of reference, the Board will report to the AAG Executive Council and will serve a two-year renewable term, with membership subject to performance and active participation.
Stronger industry recognition
President of the AAG, Andrew Ackahm said the inauguration of the first-ever Gong Gong Awards Board marks a major milestone aimed at strengthening governance, transparency and inclusiveness in the awards scheme.
He explained that setting up the Board aligns Ghana’s awards model with international standards such as Cannes and the Loeries, ensuring professionalism, stakeholder representation and improved credibility.
"It is important that we set up a board if we want to create efficiency in running the affairs, if we want to be inclusive, meaning that all stakeholders that are part of that institution get a fair representation. And so, any decision which is made for that particular entity is made by all, and it gives some sort of satisfaction to all parties that are involved," he said.
Mr Ackah highlighted the strong comeback of this year’s awards, praising improved processes, transparency, and renewed industry trust after years of skepticism.
He stressed the need for better recognition of industry talent — from creatives to media planners and urged brands to support innovation and stronger creative output that can compete globally.
"We went through a lot of discussion, a lot of debate. So, if you're here and you're going to be part of the board, please notice that we carefully considered you, and we know what you're going to bring on board, and we do appreciate you taking on this job. It's not going to be that easy, but we like the fact that you want to take the risk and also write your name in the history of what we are about to do."
Mr Ackah further thanked the newly appointed Board members, emphasizing that they were carefully selected for their expertise and commitment and encouraged them to help elevate the industry and strengthen Ghana’s presence on the global advertising stage.
"We do recognize your input. We need you to help steer the affairs of our industry, to unearth great talent, and also to bring clients closer to us, and also to make sure that our industry is held high when we are comparing to others on the continent and globally. So, thank you all for accepting the invitation," he added.
Excellence
Legal practitioner and Individual Member of the AAG, Kenneth Kojo Awuku Esq, who swore in the board members, urged them to work diligently and uphold integrity, professionalism, fairness, and excellence.
“By the authority of the AAG Council, you are formally sworn in as members of the Gong Gong Awards Board. We look forward to your leadership and service,” he said.
