Juliet Asante’s tenure as the Executive Secretary of Ghana’s National Film Authority (NFA) was marked by significant hardship, financial precarity, and persistent institutional resistance, painting a stark picture of the challenges involved in building a nascent government agency from the ground up. Her experience, detailed in a candid social media post, reveals a story of personal sacrifice, resilience in the face of adversity, and a deep commitment to the film industry despite a pervasive lack of support. Asante’s narrative highlights the systemic issues within the NFA and underscores the need for significant reforms to ensure the Authority’s effectiveness and the well-being of its staff.
Asante’s journey began in 2020 with a daunting task: establishing the NFA with virtually no resources. Armed with only an official document appointing her to the position, she faced the immediate hurdles of a lack of office space, no funding, and a complete absence of operational guidelines. Undeterred, she embarked on recruiting staff, laying the groundwork for the Authority’s structure. Despite managing to draft a strategic plan for the industry, Asante quickly encountered a wall of indifference from the very system she was meant to serve. The NFA received a paltry GHC1,000 (approximately $100) in its first year of operation, a sum woefully inadequate to cover even the most basic operational expenses. This financial drought continued into the second year with a marginally improved allocation of GHC10,000 (approximately $1,000). This severe lack of funding forced Asante and her team to work without salaries for two years, effectively subsidizing the government’s mandate with their personal finances. They operated from their homes, transforming personal spaces into makeshift offices, further blurring the lines between personal and professional life and highlighting the extraordinary personal sacrifices made in service of the NFA.
Beyond the crippling financial constraints, Asante’s account reveals a deeply dysfunctional relationship with the NFA board. She alleges systematic obstruction of her initiatives, constant challenges to her decisions, and a hostile work environment punctuated by aggressive confrontations. A particularly distressing incident involved a five-hour verbal assault by the 13-member board, where she was silenced and prevented from offering explanations. This incident underscores a power dynamic that actively undermined Asante’s leadership and created a toxic work environment that ultimately hampered the NFA’s progress. The board’s actions, as described by Asante, demonstrate not only a lack of support for the Executive Secretary but also a disregard for the mandate of the NFA itself.
The challenges Asante faced extended beyond the confines of the NFA’s internal struggles. She became the target of personal attacks on social media, endured workplace harassment, and experienced gender discrimination. A particularly disturbing incident involved a senior colleague physically lifting her into an unwanted embrace, accompanied by inappropriate comments. This experience left her feeling violated and deeply disturbed. These incidents paint a picture of a hostile and unsafe work environment, one where professional boundaries were routinely disregarded and where Asante was subjected to unacceptable behavior. The personal toll of these experiences is evident in Asante’s account, highlighting the need for robust mechanisms to protect individuals in leadership positions from harassment and discrimination.
Despite the relentless barrage of challenges, Asante remained steadfast in her commitment to building a solid foundation for the NFA. In 2022, she and her staff finally received their first salaries, a small victory in a long battle for recognition and proper resourcing. However, the financial situation remained precarious, with even basic office equipment often belonging to individual staff members. This persistent lack of resources underscores the systemic neglect of the NFA and highlights the government’s failure to prioritize the development of the film industry. Asante’s perseverance in the face of such adversity speaks volumes about her dedication to the NFA’s mission and her belief in the potential of the Ghanaian film industry.
Asante’s departure from the NFA marked the end of a tumultuous chapter, but her experience provides invaluable lessons for the future of the organization. Her public account serves as a powerful call for reform, urging the government to address the systemic issues that plagued her tenure and to provide adequate resources and support for the NFA’s success. Her parting message to her successor, Kafui Danku, to be provided with an office and a car, poignantly highlights the basic necessities that were denied to her and underscores the need for a fundamental shift in the government’s approach to the NFA. The fact that Asante had to conduct official government business from her living room for two years speaks to the profound lack of support she received and emphasizes the urgent need for change.
Asante’s story is a testament to the resilience of individuals who dedicate themselves to public service, often at great personal cost. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of fostering supportive and respectful work environments, particularly within nascent institutions. Her experience also underlines the crucial role of adequate funding and resources in enabling organizations to fulfill their mandates. By sharing her story, Asante has not only provided a valuable insight into the challenges facing the NFA but also sparked a much-needed conversation about the broader issues of institutional support, workplace ethics, and the importance of valuing the contributions of those who serve in public office. Her concluding words, “freedom has come,” resonate deeply, expressing a sense of relief at leaving a challenging situation but also leaving a legacy of perseverance and a call for much-needed change.
