Juliet Asante, the former Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), has opened up about the numerous challenges she faced when she took on the task of regulating and promoting Ghana’s film industry.
Asante revealed that when she started her journey, she was faced with the difficult task of establishing the NFA without any resources or office space.
With only a paper mandate in hand, she set out to recruit staff and began the work with just two team members. Despite drafting a strategy paper, she quickly realized that the road ahead would be long and challenging.
Financial constraints added to the difficulty, as the NFA was allocated a mere GH¢1,000 in its first year of operation.
In the second year, the budget was increased to GH¢10,000, but neither Asante nor her staff received salaries for two years. They had to cover the expenses of running a government office from their own pockets, working from home or the homes of staff members.
On top of these challenges, Asante had to navigate a difficult relationship with a board that was openly hostile towards her appointment, making it clear that she was not their preferred choice for the position.
Despite the lack of guidance on establishing a new government agency and the uphill battle she faced, Asante remained resilient in her efforts to advance Ghana’s film industry.
Her story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals working to bring about change and growth in the country’s creative sector. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and perseverance required to overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact in the industry.
