Picketing called off as FOCAP, Ministry reach understanding

The leadership of the Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) has met with officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to discuss concerns that had led to their planned picketing, originally scheduled for Monday, August 29, 2024, at the ministry’s premises.

During the roundtable discussion, FOCAP addressed its demands, which include the establishment of the Creative Arts Agency Board and the appointment of an Executive Secretary for the Creative Arts Agency.

According to a statement released by FOCAP, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. John Yao Agbeko, informed the group that the ministry had received the necessary clearances from all relevant agencies and ministries. He assured them that by the end of August 2024, recruitment for key positions within the Creative Arts Agency would be completed, paving the way for the agency’s operationalization.

A copy of the approved organogram was presented to FOCAP during the meeting, and the team was assured that interviews for the various positions would commence immediately. Ministry officials explained that constituting the Board required first establishing a skeleton staff to execute the Board’s directives. Once this staff is in place, the relevant domains will be formally invited to appoint their representatives to the Board as mandated by the Creative Arts Agency Act 1048.

FOCAP’s statement further noted that the group was assured of another meeting with the ministry’s leadership to finalize the issues related to the Board and the Executive Secretary before the scheduled picketing. “FOCAP assures all allies, creatives, media, associations, and members that we are committed to ensuring that systems and structures function effectively. We will keep everyone updated at every stage of our negotiations,” the statement concluded.