An event, marking the launch of the D. A. Twum Jnr Fellowship, has been held in honour of the late creative director, Daniel Ampadu Twum Jnr.
The late Twum was a celebrated actor and advertising guru who featured in and directed numerous radio and television commercials.
He passed away on April 9, 2006, and to mark 20 years since his death, family and friends—led by communications and marketing firm The Ninani Group—launched the fellowship in recognition of his contributions to the creative industry.
The fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of creative talent by connecting academia with industry practice, ensuring his legacy continues to shape Ghana’s creative future.
Also, the fellowship will draw faculty from both academia and the marketing and marketing communications industry.
The event, held in Accra last Friday, featured a keynote address, panel discussion and a book launch celebrating his life and work.
In attendance were the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Ninani Group, Joel E. Nettey; the Executive Coach and Author, Rev. Albert Ocran; ace Broadcaster, Kwami Sefa-Kayi; a Marketing Expert, Prof. Robert Hinson, and a Banker, Mawuko Afadzinu.
The Ninani Group CEO, Joel E. Nettey, described Twum as a transformative figure in the country’s advertising industry whose greatest impact was his ability to mentor and inspire others.
Nettey emphasised that the fellowship is not just about remembrance but about building forward—aimed at identifying, nurturing, and empowering the next generation of creative talent in the country through collaboration between academia and industry.
He highlighted Twum as a “multiplier” who inspired and empowered others, stressing that true greatness was in impacting many lives.
“At just 36, he had already become a towering figure in Ghana’s advertising and marketing communications industry, widely recognised as the most awarded creative director of his time.
“But beyond the accolades and the brilliance, what truly set him apart was something far more enduring: his ability to multiply himself through others,” he said.
He emphasised that the event was not just about remembering Daniel Ampadu Twum Jnr but about activating and continuing his legacy.
He urged industry leaders and stakeholders to take responsibility for sustaining this legacy by mentoring, investing in talent, demanding excellence, and building lasting institutions.
Intentional effort
In his keynote address, Rev. Ocran emphasised that the true test of Daniel Ampadu Twum Jnr’s legacy was in his endurance and ability to inspire future generations who never met him.
He stressed the need for deliberate strategy, structure and commitment to pass on Twum’s values, creativity, and enterprise.
He praised the establishment of the fellowship as a vital step towards nurturing new talent and ensuring a generational transfer of ideas and innovation.
While encouraging collective responsibility, he highlighted the importance of mentorship and guidance in shaping future leaders.
Rev. Ocran concluded by affirming that Twum’s legacy would continue to “live on” through the fellowship, his works, and the lives he would continue to inspire.
Panel discussion
In a panel discussion, the panellists highlighted the need for more targeted and intuitive advertising, emphasising that brands could no longer speak to everyone but must tailor campaigns to specific audience segments.
Speaking on the topic: “Advertising Today Versus Years Ago – What Has Changed And What Has Not,” they noted the fast-paced nature of the industry, where ideas quickly evolved and success was now measured through diverse engagement metrics.
The panellists also pointed out that agencies had lost some influence to clients, data, and digital platforms, urging them to reclaim their role by being more strategic, proactive and research-driven.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh