Renowned filmmaker and outgoing Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), Juliet Asante, has opened up about her challenging tenure in an emotional farewell message following her exit from the role.
Asante, who was appointed in November 2020, revealed the immense difficulties she faced in setting up and running the government agency, including a lack of office space, inadequate funding, and opposition from the NFA Board.
A Journey Marked by Sacrifice
According to Asante, her tenure began with almost no resources. She and her small team started operations with no official workspace and had to work from their homes. The financial constraints were severe, as they received only GHC 1,000 ($100) in the first year and GHC 10,000 ($1,000) in the second year to run the entire agency.
“For two years, neither I nor my staff received salaries. We had to shoulder the cost of running a government office from our pockets,” she disclosed.
Despite these struggles, Asante took it upon herself to draft a strategy paper and initiate projects to improve the film industry. However, she faced fierce resistance from the NFA Board, which, she claimed, blocked several initiatives, including an attempt to collect data on the sector.
“The board told me upfront that I wasn’t who they wanted. The first activity we tried to do was blocked, and almost everything after that was challenged,” she recounted.
Challenges and Workplace Harassment
Asante also highlighted the personal toll her work took on her. While battling professional obstacles, she was dealing with personal hardships, including her mother’s illness and financial struggles. She also recalled instances of workplace harassment, describing a disturbing moment when a male superior physically lifted her and forced her into a hug.
“I scrubbed myself until my skin was tender… I felt dirty,” she said, calling for better treatment of women in leadership.
A Call for Better Support for Successor
Following her exit, Asante congratulated her successor, Kafui Danku, while urging authorities to provide her with the necessary resources to function effectively.
“Please get Kafui an office and a car so she can work properly and not have to carry out government work from her living room like I had to do,” she stated.
She also called for fairness in leadership transitions, revealing that she had not yet received a formal layoff letter before Danku’s appointment.
Defying Critics and Looking Ahead
Asante dismissed claims that Ghana’s film industry is a “joke” and challenged critics to research her credentials.
“I have four certificates from Harvard. I mentored at MIT’s Legatum School of Business. I am a Legatum and Aspen Fellow. Now go and research that, Mr. Joker,” she fired back at detractors.
Despite her disappointment at not completing her work at the NFA, Asante expressed gratitude to those who supported her and vowed to continue contributing to Ghana’s creative industry.
When asked about her next steps, she responded humorously, saying, “Loads of eating, K-dramas, getting fat, and sleep.”
Her departure marks the end of a turbulent yet impactful chapter at the NFA. As the film industry awaits its next phase under new leadership, many will remember Asante’s tenure for her resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to the growth of Ghanaian cinema.
