Juliet Asante, the former Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority
Juliet Asante, the former Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, has shared what can best be described as a harrowing account of her tenure at the National Film Authority.
In a social media post, Juliet Asante shared her disturbing experiences, which range from lack of support to sexual harassment.
The legendary actress noted that she was handed the role without an office, staff, or vehicle for her movements.
“In November 2020, when I was asked by the minister to take the job of the Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority, I accepted. Little did I envisage what was to follow.
“With a paper in hand, but no office or money, I set out to recruit staff. With two staff members, we started the work. I took time to draft a strategy paper. But it became very clear, very quickly, that no one was interested and that this was going to be a very, very long road.
“In the first year, we were given GH¢1000($100) for the entire year. Second year, GH¢10,000 (about $1000 at the time). Neither my staff nor I 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. There was absolutely no one to show us the ropes of how to set up a new government agency, and while we were struggling to understand what to do and not to do… I was dealing with a very antagonistic board that told me upfront that I wasn’t who they wanted,” she stated in her post.
Despite these challenges, Juliet Asante was determined to make a mark at the National Film Authority. However, her quest to succeed was met with further blocks, including sexual harassment.
“I remember vividly a day when I was caught between two male bosses. One lifted me up bodily and shoved me into the arms of another, insisting that I give him a hug! The latter hugged me and commented, ‘Maybe I am the one who will marry you one day.’ That night, I scrubbed myself until my skin was tender. I felt dirty.
“I am 50 years old, and I have just lost my job. So I can afford to say this… May another woman never suffer this,” parts of her post read.
Juliet Asante also used the platform to welcome Kafui Danku as the new Executive Secretary and appealed to the government to provide her with the personnel and logistical support she would need to succeed in her new role.
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