In a convivial atmosphere marked by solemnity, the staff of the Ministry of Arts and Culture – MINAC gathered on Wednesday, March 18, at the esplanade of the National Museum for the formal ceremony of presenting New Year wishes to the head of the ministry, Pierre Ismaël Bidoung Kpwatt.
The occasion served as an opportunity to present a review of activities carried out in the Arts and Culture sub-sector during the year 2025, while outlining perspectives for 2026.
The proceedings began with the decoration of Technical Adviser No. 1, Mr. Armand ABANDA MAYE, as Officer of the Order of Merit. Subsequently, guests witnessed tributes paid to five MINAC staff members who are entering retirement.
Beyond its protocol-driven nature, the ceremony at MINAC served as a space for cohesion and motivation for the staff, led by their Minister.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Arts and Culture urged his staff to contribute to the success of the missions assigned to the Ministry by the leadership, as both the authorities and the Cameroonian people expect concrete results now more than ever.
Specifically, the goal will be to implement the very high strategic orientations defined by His Excellence Paul BIYA, President of the Republic and Head of State, during his inauguration speech on November 6, 2026.
Furthermore, it aims to optimize the performance of the Arts and Culture sub-sector to make it a significant lever for structural economic transformation by fulfilling certain commitments notably the continued implementation of the structuring of the artistic and cultural movement throughout the national territory, the development of the National Development Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries, the effective repatriation of the first Cameroonian cultural assets illegally exported abroad and the updating of the tentative list of tangible cultural heritage.
The New Year wishes presentation phase opened following these galvanizing words from the Minister. The member of Government warmly received the well-wishes from his staff and guests through individual handshakes crowned with some entertainment.
