Members of AAG complain about increase in outdoor rates

Accra, March 31, GNA - Members of the Advertisers Association of Ghana (AAG) on Wednesday expressed worry about a 700 per cent increase in the rate of outdoor advertising and called on government to dialogue with them as partners in nation building.

They alleged that some foreigners were interested in the business and therefore lobbying for higher rates in an attempt to kick Ghanaians out of business.

Mr Torgbor Mensah, Chairman of Outdoor Advertising of AAG, explained that the increase was not helping in anyway and could get over 20,000 Ghanaians out of employment.

He disclosed this during a meeting with Mr John Tia Akologu, Minister of Information to formally introduce their members to him and also express their desire to partner government in promoting national development.

They alleged that usually the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) submitted proposals on the increases followed by a dialogue to determine the increase in the rate of outdoor advertising. However, recently there was an imposition of the rates which had bee= n increased over 700 per cent. Mrs Norkor Duah, President of AAG, said some areas within the metropolis where they paid GH¢400 had been increased to GH¢2,500 and appealed to the Minister of Information to dialogue with the AMA on the issue. Mr Akologu promised to take up the issue and inform them of the outcome.