In a shocking revelation, Juliet Asante, the former Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), disclosed that she and her staff went without salaries for two years while running the government agency. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Sunday, March 2, 2025, Asante opened up about the severe financial challenges she faced during her tenure, shedding light on the difficulties of managing a government agency with minimal resources.
The Financial Struggles of Running the NFA
Extreme financial constraints marked Juliet Asante’s tenure at the NFA. She revealed that the agency was allocated a mere GH¢1,000 (approximately 100)∗∗for operations in the first year. In the∗∗second year∗∗, the allocation increased to∗∗GH¢10,000(about 1,000 at the time). Despite these meager funds, neither Asante nor her staff received any formal salaries, forcing them to cover operational costs from their own pockets.
In her post, Asante shared:
“In the first year, we were given 1000ghc (100)fortheentireyear.Secondyear,10,000ghc(about1000 at the time). Neither I nor my staff received pay for 2 years. We had to shoulder the cost of running a Government office from our pockets. We worked from my home or the homes of other staff members.”
Challenges Beyond Finances
The financial struggles were just one part of the battle. Asante also faced significant operational and administrative hurdles:
1. Lack of Guidance
- Asante and her team had no one to guide them on how to set up a new government agency.
- They had to navigate the complexities of establishing the NFA from scratch, learning through trial and error.
2. Antagonistic Board
- Asante revealed that she dealt with a “very antagonistic board” that openly expressed dissatisfaction with her appointment.
- This added tension made her role even more challenging.
3. Inadequate Resources
- The NFA lacked basic resources, including office space, vehicles, and equipment.
- Asante and her team relied on personal devices, such as her own computer, to carry out their work.
A Glimmer of Hope in 2022
In 2022, Asante and her team finally received their first salaries, marking a small but significant improvement. However, financial challenges persisted. Asante noted:
“In 2022, we all got our first salaries… thank God… but money was still so tight, and we still had inadequate office space, no car for work, nothing… even the machines used at the office were personal to many of us. Everything you have seen online was edited on my personal machine.”
New Leadership at the NFA
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Kafui Danku as the new Executive Secretary of the NFA, with James Gardiner serving as her Deputy. This change in leadership raises questions about the future direction of the agency and whether the new team will address the systemic challenges highlighted by Asante.
Why This Matters
Juliet Asante’s story sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of public servants working in underfunded government agencies. Her experience highlights the need for:
- Adequate Funding: Ensuring government agencies have the resources they need to function effectively.
- Support for Leaders: Providing guidance and support to those tasked with establishing new institutions.
- Transparency and Accountability: Addressing internal conflicts and ensuring fair treatment of employees.
Call to Action: Support Ghana’s Creative Industry
The National Film Authority plays a crucial role in promoting Ghana’s creative industry, but its success depends on proper funding and support. Here’s how you can help:
- Advocate for Change: Share Juliet Asante’s story to raise awareness about the challenges faced by public servants.
- Support Local Content: Watch and promote Ghanaian films to boost the industry.
- Engage with Leaders: Urge policymakers to prioritize funding for creative agencies like the NFA.