All is set for the maiden elections of the Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana (ATWAG) which will come off on Saturday, December 16, at the Academic City, Kwame Nkrumah Circle.

ATWAG is an association for arts and tourism writers in the country. It has been around for about a decade but lack of organization and effective management had stalled its progress.

Now its interim leaders hope to build it up into a strong organization that will help to boost the arts and tourism scene.

A number of positions are being contested for including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Organiser, Public Relations Officer and Research Officer.

Some formidable names are vying for these roles including Managing Editor of the Daily Heritage, William Asiedu, Graphic Showbiz columnist, Francis Doku, Livingstone Lotsu, Mic Yamoah, Frank Kwabena Owusu, Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah (Attractive), Isaac Kwaku Kpogeh, Eugene Osafo-Nkansah and Kwame Dadzie, David Mawuli and Vivian Abigal Oppong.

The candidates were shortlisted by a Vetting Committee comprising Broadcaster and Tourism advocate, Gilbert Aggrey (Abeiku Santana), Joshnnie Beresford Hughes also a broadcaster and Doreen Avio, a presenter and arts writer.

Francis Doku is contesting for Vice President and said he put himself forward because the Association needs strong hands to nurture it to the heights that its members will be appreciative of.

“I believe that I have the experience having been in the industry for so long and I also have the connections to open doors for the Association.

“I have seen some of the people contesting and I think they have a passion for the arts so I want to work with such a team to help build ATWAG to a level that we can all be proud of,” he said.

According to Francis, should he get the position, he would want to help stabilize the Association and make it known in the arts and tourism sector.

“I think it is important for us as arts writers to train members to understand the era we are in a how to do our work better than we have done over the years,” he stated.

He believes by virtue of his experience and connections, he will make a better Vice President than his opponent, Livingstone Lotsu who he acknowledges is equally qualified.

Chairperson of the Election Committee, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo urged all registered members of ATWAG to participate in the process to select the best candidates to run the Association.

The voting process will start from 10 am and end at 2 pm.

Credit-Graphic showbiz