PAWA International holds Workshop on New Technologies

Accra (Greater Accra) 3 Nov. '99

The need for African writers to appreciate the use of modern technology to make their work easy and cost-effective has been emphasised at a panel discussion by the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA) in Accra.

The panel discussing "the writer and new technologies" proposed that PAWA set up centres to take charge of translation of works into other African languages for the wide African market.

Such translations would widen the scope of readership or usage of the works of African writers, they said.

The Nigerian Federal Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Dr Ojo Maduekwe and Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, a lawyer and a former copyright administrator said it would further enhance the distribution of the translated works in other African countries.

Participants from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Togo said understanding the use of computers in these times of technological advancement will be of assistance in this direction.

They also called on African governments to help PAWA safeguard the works of African craftsmen, especially on the issue of copyright fees from works used in Western countries and funding from African governments to aid PAWA to effectively administer its duties.

Dr Maduekwe, in an interview with the GNA, was of the view that rather than PAWA asking for funds from the government, it should rather initiate practical projects that would positively impact on the writers and users of the works.

He said when governments see the work being done, they would complement their efforts through funding.

GRi../