Accra: The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has raised red flags over the ongoing billboard demolition exercise in the Greater Accra Region, urging government to step in and ensure fairness and transparency.
According to Ghana Web, the Association issued a statement expressing support for efforts to sanitise the outdoor advertising space, improve public safety, and enhance the appearance of Ghana's cities. However, the AAG is deeply troubled by the manner in which the current demolitions are being carried out.
The AAG highlighted the lack of direct engagement with key industry players before the commencement of the exercise, particularly those at the heart of outdoor advertising. This omission has raised concerns within the industry about the transparency and fairness of the process.
The Association also criticised the absence of a clearly communicated framework that outlines timelines, compliance guidelines, phased implementation plans, and enforcement standards. The AAG pointed to what it described as irregularities and selective enforcement, suggesting that certain actions may be influenced by political considerations or individuals with vested interests in parts of the advertising industry.
The AAG warned that such developments risk destabilising the sector, shaking investor confidence, and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians employed in the outdoor advertising value chain. It has called for what it terms an 'institutional reset.'
In its appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the AAG urged the government to ensure transparent consultations with industry stakeholders. It also called for a clearly defined mandate for the demolition committee and a structured, fair, and phased approach that respects due process and regulatory integrity.
The Association emphasised that proper governance and coordinated implementation are essential if the goals of public safety and improved urban aesthetics are to be achieved without undermining economic activity. The statement concluded with a call for the President and the minister to restore confidence and stability in the industry by calling the relevant authorities to order.