The leadership of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) has criticized Juliet Asante, the former Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA), over her recent claims regarding the challenges she faced during her tenure.
The critic follows the actress’s allegations of financial difficulties, lack of support, and even sexual harassment during her tenure in office.
Asante shared the immense challenges she faced after being appointed to regulate and promote Ghana’s film industry.
According to her, she began her journey with the daunting task of establishing the NFA with only a paper mandate and no resources.
However, FOCAP has dismissed her statements as unfortunate, questioning why she did not address these issues while in office if she considered herself a strong woman, likening herself to Yaa Asantewaa.
FOCAP suggested that Asante should have spoken up and taken action at the time rather than voicing her concerns now, which they perceive as an attempt to seek sympathy. The group also argued that it would have been better for her to let “sleeping dogs lie” since she chose not to disclose these challenges during her time in office.
Furthermore, FOCAP labelled Asante’s claims as half-truths, alleging that she often disrespected the board, disregarded its directives, and made decisions without consulting them.
Speaking to Citi News, FOCAP President Kojo Preko Dankwa urged Juliet Asante to be fair and acknowledge her shortcomings during her tenure rather than presenting a one-sided narrative.
“To me, to come out and pretend for public sympathy and make things look like you were trying to do something for the industry, but you were not given help from the board, the question is, did you consult the board in all your dealings? Percentage wise, it is a flaw. So, for me, it is neither here nor there for Juliet to come and speak the way she did, clamouring for sympathy which is not needed,” he stated.
