The Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) has met with Mrs Catherine Abelema Afeku, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to appeal for partnership and support from the Sector.
The PAWA delegation discussed the aftermath of the demise of Professor Atukwei Okai, former Secretary General, who was also the major sponsor of the association.
Prof Femi Osofisam, President of PAWA at the meeting expressed the profound gratitude of the Association to the Ministry for its support during the funeral ceremony and burial of the late Prof Atukwei Okai.
He said however that, the Association faces many challenges, especially funding and also debts to settle.He noted that the Association had decided to re-organise the PAWA to ensure a smooth and efficient operation to continue the good works of Atukwei Okai, adding that, a committee had been set up to steer the operations of the Association.
Mrs Afeku said it was within the Ministry’s plans to promote the African story through digital means by engaging children on the continent to share the positive effects of the literature. She said the Association’s appeal had come at the time that, the Sector Ministry was deliberating on its budget and assured that the budget team would assess their appeal and assist in honouring the memory of the late Professor.
“We will do everything we can to ensure that your literary works will not be in vain,” she said. Mrs Afeku said the sector was willing to consider partnering the Association in the promotion of Ghana’s culture, tourism, and the creative arts.