The advertising industry will soon be regulated by an Act of Parliament, Reginald D. Laryea, president of the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG), has disclosed. He said the association is soliciting ideas and inputs from stakeholders in the industry which will be presented to parliament for approval. Mr. Laryea who was speaking to 'Times Business' after the association's annual general meeting in Accra last week, said "the Act will see to the amalgamation of all agencies and also inject more professionalism in the industry.” He said although players in the industry were performing creditably well, an Act of Parliament will further strengthen the operations of the association. Mr. Laryea who earlier presented his report to members announced a five year strategic plan for the association. As part of the strategic plan, he said the association seeks to recommend to the government to grant it a permanent representation on the National Media Commission. "We are also planning to develop and strengthen the use of research, information communication technology and state of the art technologies to move the industry forward," he said. The association he said also intends to run a recognised institution with accreditation to provide training for students and players in the industry. On the financial performance of the association, he said ¢252,985 million was received as dues last year as against ¢263,413 realised in 2005. He said "this drop obviously explains the decline in members' commitment towards the association". "The current payment of ¢5 million by platinum members and ¢2.5 million by gold members continue to be inadequate in meeting the association's financial obligations and council has therefore agreed an upward review of ¢8 million for platinum members and ¢4 million for Gold members," he said. In his remarks Mr. Frank Agyekum, Deputy Minister of Information and National Orientation, said apart from the industry decorating the country with outdoor advertisements, it also contributes to the socioeconomic development of the country. He appealed to stakeholders in the industry to join hands with the ministry to roll out its national orientation programmes. Source: The Ghanaian Times