PAWA needs support from governments - Atukwei Okai

Accra, Nov. 12, GNA - Professor Atukwei Okai, Secretary-General of Pan African Writers' Association (PAWA) on Wednesday called on African governments to financially support the Association. He said support to the Association from governments had taken a nose dive thereby crippling its activities and he, therefore, appealed to them to fulfil their commitment to writers.
Prof Okai made the call at the 11th International African Writers' Day celebration at PAWA House in Accra.
He said due to financial constraints, PAWA had been struggling to contribute its quota to the moral, cultural and intellectual renaissance of the continent.
The PAWA Secretary-General said "it was about time African societies and governments directed more of their attention and resources to the world of the African writers and the status of the book". Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, commended writers and musicians whose creative works had inspired insights critical to society's enlightenment and development. He urged the youth to venture into creative works to empower the continent.
The Foreign Minister pledged government's commitment to support the Association and creative works.
Nii Larbi Mensa IV, Chief of Ablekuma, and other acclaimed poets including Fred Mwanga Agbobli, Madam Star Nyaniba Hammond and a cross section of the public attended the function. 12 Nov. 03