The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has teamed up with Association of Ghana Industries and Ministry of Trade and Industries to promote made in Ghana goods and services.

Mr Joel Nettey, President of the AAG, who announced this, said the advertising industry as a catalyst for economic growth has recognised the need to support the growth of local industries which provide the jobs that keep citizens employed and off the streets.

“Our industry is the one that generates the appetite within the consuming public to crave the goods and services that are produced in Ghana as well as those that are imported from far and near,” he told guests at this year’s 8th Gong Gong Awards night.

The awards were held on the theme: “Creativity in Advertising - A Catalyst for Economic Growth.”

Mr Nettey said the AAG is also working with Graphic Communications Group and other Media Houses to encourage indigenous advertising agencies, whose profits stay in-country to help grow the domestic economy.

“With support from National Media Commission, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and other partners also, we are working hard to address various challenges that bedevil our industry,” he said.

On the advertising bill, Mr Nettey said the AAG has made significant progress with the Advertising Standards Bill and would continue to work with all stakeholders to bring it to fruition to ensure that the country has a body to bring sanity into the industry.

“We are counting on the Honorable Minister of Trade and Industries and other stakeholders including the Parliamentary Select Committees on Trade and Industries and Communications to support us to get the bill passed into law to help sanitize the industry,” he said.

Mr Nettey said while there is a lot of work to do about poor advertising standards, progress has been made.

He said the AAG continue to work with Foods and Drugs Authority and Ghana Standards Authority to ensure that the consuming public do not get short changed.

Mr Nettey said the AAG Council is taking the training of members seriously to sharpen their skills to enable them deliver quality services to and for clients and also be on top of their game in the competitive environment.