Let’s change the narrative – George Quaye tells ATWAG

Newly inducted President of Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana (ATWAG), George Nii Armah Quaye who is the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Image Bureau and host of Showbiz A to Z on Joy FM has urged to help change the narrative in their practice.

According to him the “time has come for members of the association to take up their rightful place in scheme of affairs by focusing on petinent issues.”

He made this call at the Handing Over and End of Year ceremony held on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the Accra Tourist Information Centre.

Mr.Quaye who took over from Mr.William Asiedu, said there should be re-orientation and dedicated effort to highlight the country’s tourism and creative arts potential.

“The interesting connect is the fact that Mass media itself was birthed from culture! From the need to say something, share something, to tell a story!

So I ask you my Arts & Tourism Journalists, are you telling our story? If yes, exactly which story and how are you telling it?,” he quizzed.

He said, the creative industry in Ghana covered 10 main domains namely: visual arts, performing arts, cultural sites, traditional cultural expressions, publishing, new media, design, creative services, music and audio visuals.

Mr.Quaye noted that currently apart from music and movies and to a lesser extent heritage sites and visual arts, the other domains in the Creative Industry basket could arguably be likened to lesser-known sport. He added that the media has simply not shed enough light on it.

“We must change this and during my term, we will work together to change this narrative,” he said.

He said, that together with leadership the group would work beyond the welfare by collaborating with relevant agencies.

He thanked the outgoing executives for their dedication to the association in bringing it to its current stage.

Mr. Prince Osisiadan, a lawyer, who conducted the ceremony also urged members of ATWAG to be wary of defamatory stories that may land them in trouble.

ATWAG elected new executive committee members on December 17, 2021, for which George Nii Armah Quaye, was voted President.

Other executives are Livingstone Lotsu, Vice-President, Hagar Gyebuwaa Owusu, Treasurer, Rebekah Awuah, Secretary,Vera Adu-Amaning, Organiser,Stanley Awuku Wilson, Research Officer, Gloria Akpene-Acquah, Public Relations Officer.

The Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana (ATWAG) is an association of Ghanaian arts writers/journalists and media workers.

It is aimed at promoting arts, tourism and culture reporting in Ghana while developing the professional capacity and welfare of its members.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme