Juliet Yaa Asante Asante, former Executive Secretary of the NFA, opened up about her struggles, including financial hardship and harassment from superiors. She revealed that funds meant for office needs were cleared by the Bank of Ghana just before a leadership transition. Asante’s reflections highlight the realities faced by women in leadership roles within the Ghanaian film industry.
Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante, the former Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), spoke candidly about the challenges she faced during her tenure. Shortly after new officials were appointed, she revealed via a Facebook post that she often financed the Authority from her own pockets, lacking both office space and appropriate compensation for two years. Asante shared her struggles with a hostile Board and the serious issue of harassment from male superiors.
In her post, Asante recounted how the Bank of Ghana had cleared funds meant for office expenses, stating, “The little money I raised for office and car…has been cleared from the accounts by the Bank of Ghana before we could get the office and get the office vehicle.” This loss of funds further complicated the transition to new leadership as Kafui Danku was appointed as the new Executive Secretary.
She reflected on her initial excitement at being appointed, noting how difficult it was to navigate her responsibilities amidst hostility and financial constraints. With minimal funding provided, she and her staff had to operate without salaries or adequate resource support. Asante described the relentless obstacles they encountered with the NFA’s Board, highlighting their attempts to block key initiatives.
Despite these difficulties, Asante and her team persevered, contributing to projects such as the successful Covid video that resonated with the public. She expressed gratitude towards those who supported her during her tenure, stating, “I want to say a big thank you to many who helped us along the way.”
Asante also addressed personal experiences of harassment and the emotional toll it took on her. She hopes that her candid sharing of these matters may help prevent similar experiences for future leaders, especially women in the industry. As she transitions out of the role, she has called for a respectful handover of responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of formal communication regarding her layoff.
In conclusion, Juliet Asante’s account sheds light on significant challenges faced by leaders in the creative sector of Ghana. Her candid reflections on financial hardships, personal struggles with harassment, and obstacles from Board members illustrate the complexities of establishing a new authority within the film industry. Despite these adversities, she remained committed to her role and is hopeful for the future of the NFA under new leadership.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
