The Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the ongoing demolition of billboards across Accra and other major cities, describing the exercise as irregular, unstructured and potentially harmful to the outdoor advertising industry.

In a statement dated Friday February 13, it noted that “The AAG is respectfully calling on His Excellency John Mahama and the Hon. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to intervene and call the Committee and the Greater Accra Regional Minister to order.”

The AAG said it supports government efforts to sanitise outdoor advertising spaces, improve public safety and enhance the aesthetics of Ghana’s cities. However, it stressed that the manner in which the current demolition exercise is being executed raises major concerns.

According to the Association, the demolitions began without meaningful engagement with key industry players, including operators who are directly affected by the exercise. It said the absence of consultation has created uncertainty and confusion within the sector.

The AAG also criticised what it described as the lack of a clear and transparent framework guiding the demolitions. It noted that no phased plan, timelines, compliance guidelines or enforcement standards have been publicly communicated to industry stakeholders.

The Association further raised concerns about perceived irregularities and selective enforcement, citing reports that political interests and recommendations from individuals within government circles may be influencing the exercise. It warned that such actions could allow vested interests to take over sections of the outdoor advertising industry.

The AAG cautioned that the current approach poses a serious threat to industry stability and investor confidence. The outdoor advertising sector, it said, employs thousands of Ghanaians, contributes revenue to local assemblies through permits and fees, and plays an important role in national economic activity. Arbitrary enforcement, the Association warned, risks job losses, business closures and long-term damage to the sector.

“We believe a proper reset is urgently required to: Establish transparent engagement with industry stakeholders; Clearly define the Committee’s mandate and operational framework
Develop and communicate a structured, fair, and phased demolition and decongestion plan and Ensure due process, equity, and regulatory integrity,” it added.

The Association is expected to address the concerns at a press briefing scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10am at its conference room in Asylum Down, Accra. The briefing will focus on what the AAG says are serious lapses in the conduct of the demolition exercise being carried out under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Office of the Greater Accra Regional Minister.

The upcoming press briefing will present the AAG’s detailed position, clarify industry concerns, outline a proposed way forward and allow for media engagement on the matter.