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Coronavirus, the Creative Art Industry & Mental Health
At a time of huge uncertainty across all sectors, many are trying to understand the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the workforce.
In the creative industry there is a strong ambition to understand the impact on public venues, freelance workers and micro businesses as these sectors are directly threatened by the pandemic.
Due to the closures and ban on public gathering, the Creative Arts Industry has become dormant. This was the result of the directive by the government to all unions and other groups to suspend their activities in the face of the outbreak of coronavirus.
Revenues of creative arts and cultural organisations reliant on ticket sales have ceased. During closure the average reported weekly revenue loss has ranged from (75 per cent -100 per cent). Without revenue organisations must cut back on hiring staff and independent artistes and professionals.
The pandemic has badly affected both inbound and outbound tourism. To prevent further spread of the coronavirus, governments have virtually shut down the entire industry.
Flights and hotel bookings have been cancelled thus negatively affecting the economy since tourism has direct impact on transportation, accommodation, food service, creative arts, trade and tourist sites just to name a few affected areas.
Today, more than ever, the importance of cultural arts and creativity for society is clear. The availability of cultural content contributes to serene mental health and wellbeing.
Fortunately, many creative institutions have created online and free content in recent weeks for that purpose. Sustainable business models during and after the initial crisis are imperative for the sector’s survival. If we chose to leave behind the more fragile part of the sector the result could cause irreparable economic and social damage.
The current challenge should motivate us to design a public support that alleviates the negative impact in the short term, and identifies new opportunities in the medium term for different public, private and non-profit actors engaged in cultural and creative art industry.
The Edem Fairre foundation for Mental Disorder, Depression & Anxiety, has recognised the outburst of negative comments on almost every platform. Truth is, most people are angry.
The little things we do to dodge some painful memories can no longer be escaped due to the impact of the three weeks partial lockdown.
Some people have lost their jobs, spouses as well as family members who are perhaps breadwinners.
The oblivion of uncertainty, of ‘what is next’ is enough to drive us crazy. In a person with anxiety thoughts such as ‘all hell is about to break loose and nothing positive will happen.’
Voicing out can drive people away or get you tagged as being ´dramatic.’
As an organisation built on the backbones of doctors and nurses who give counselling for the mental wellbeing of others, our team assures you that all hope is not lost. Any emergency case will be attended to and do not hesitate to contact us.
And if you know anyone showing consistent mood swings that could possibly lead to suicide, do get help as soon as possible to avoid serious mental injuries. Do not keep this information to yourself; educate others in languages they will understand. Stay calm, there’s nothing too big under the sun.
There’s always a solution to your problems; you just need to talk to the right person in a confidential environment whiles obeying the social distancing protocols.
I am also thrilled to see a lot of our influencers coming out to help with talks on stigmatisation on mental disorders especially, depression and anxiety.
This is an assurance that you are not alone and it is okay to ask for help. After all, we are all human.
Edem Fairre
Television Host / Multiple Award winning Model and Philanthropist.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
