The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey has disclosed that he’s not enthused with the work attitude of many Ghanaian creative writers.
According to Honorable Mark Okraku Mantey, who received the newly inducted Executives of the Art and Tourism Writers Association (ATWAG) in his office, it is evident that Ghanaian creative writers are extremely talented but unfortunately lack the broader knowledge and sometimes exhibit an “unrefined” attitude towards work.
The Deputy Minister then advised the newly inducted executives of ATWAG to be agents of change saying, “Do not depend solely on your talent, the world is evolving otherwise you will be second to South Africa, Nigeria and even Togo”.
The President of the Art and Tourism Writers, George Quaye, who led the team of ATWAG executives to the Deputy Minister’s office for an introductory engagement, also laid before Honorable Mark Okraku Mantey, the quest to gain recognition and support from the Ministry in its operations. creative writers
“We are very passionate about the sector as writers and we want to leave a solid legacy”, George Quaye said to the Deputy Minister, Mark Okraku-Mantey.
In his response, Mark Okraku Mantey assured the executives of a fruitful partnership.
Induction of ATWAG Executives
It can be recalled that ATWAG held its handing over ceremony in February 2022. The program took place at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, with members of the Association and other arts stakeholders in attendance.
The induction and handing-over ceremony was conducted by Prince Osisiadan, a lawyer, who urged the members to be wary of defamatory stories that may land them in trouble. This was after ATWAG elected new executive committee members on December 17, 2021.
The Chief Executive of ImageBureau, George Nii Armah Quaye, was voted as President of the Association. He took over from William Asiedu, a venerated journalist. creative writers
The Vice-President position was won by freelance radio and television host, Livingstone Lotsu, who took over from Francis Doku, General Manager of MGTV.
Hagar Gyebuwaa Owusu of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation emerged as the Treasurer of the Association, with Rebekah Awuah taking over from arts and entertainment journalist, Reagan Odei Ofosu Osarfo (Nana Reagan) as secretary.
Fashion designer, Vera Adu-Amaning, also took over from Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah, a writer, as the organizer.
The Research Officer position for the next four years will be occupied by Stanley Awuku Wilson, who is a blogger.
Kwame Dadzie handed over the baton to entertainment journalist, Gloria Akpene-Acquah popularly known as MzGee, as the Public Relations Officer.
The outgoing President, William Asiedu, in his address, recounted the hard work and dedication that went into building the association and admonished members to uphold the tenets of the profession and work towards making their work as arts and tourism writers more impactful.
Speaking at the ceremony, the new President of ATWAG, George Nii Armah Quaye, promised he would do all things within his power to elevate the association from where the previous administration left off. He, therefore, urged the members to put all hands on deck to make sure they achieve their desired goals.
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