The Advertisers Association of Ghana (AAG) has called for speedy ratification of the draft advertising bill that is currently before Parliament, thus enabling the Association to clamp down on unethical practices that are taking hold in advertising circles.

Mr. Joel Nettey, President of the Association who disclosed this to journalists when the newly-elected executives of AAG paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Trade and Industry, said the new legislation will bring about reforms that are highly anticipated by clients, advertisers, media owners and other stakeholders.

“We need the bill urgently to regulate the business of advertising in this country; there have been various concerns being raised about the haphazard mounting of billboards along busy roads in the country.

“Aside from that, there are a lot of communication campaigns on inferior goods and unhealthy products through the mass media -- and this calls for certain mechanisms to check against this practice.

“And that is why Parliament must act fast to pass the advertising law; because the longer this practice continues, the longer the entire nation is being put at risk,” he said, citing that to be one of the reasons behind the visit.

Mr. Nettey said the advertising association is much concerned about government’s strong advocacy on the need for Ghanaians to consume locally manufactured products and services, to strengthen local companies and to curb the nation’s high dependence on imported consumables.

“As advertisers, we will do our part to support the call to promote made-in-Ghana goods; we are committed to supporting growth of the economy.

“We have the expertise and know-how to help government’s quest to increase the public consumption and patronage of made in Ghana goods and services, and we are putting together a process that will lead to that effect.”

The Advertising Association of Ghana is the industry body and professional institute for the country’s thriving and highly potent advertising and marketing communications business.

As a service body, the association sets operational standards for the industry through advisory, training, and information services. It also runs the “Gong Gong Awards’, which is an award scheme to reward professionalism in the advertising practice.