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“Creatives Must Occupy Political Spaces” – Okraku-Mantey

Story Highlights
  • Deputy Minister advocates for more creatives in politics
  • Politics doesn't harm creative careers, Okraku-Mantey says
  • Creatives can make a difference in government, he urges

Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has emphasized the need for more individuals from the creative sector to hold political positions within government. Speaking on Joy FM’s ‘Showbiz A-Z’ with Kwame Dadzie, Okraku-Mantey highlighted that increased representation of creatives in leadership roles is crucial for advocating the collective interests of the industry.

Okraku-Mantey noted that it is common for at least one minister within a relevant institution to have a background in the industry related to that ministry. He argued that it is essential for creatives with political aspirations to occupy key positions that leverage their expertise and experience.

He shared a personal experience involving former Deputy Minister Dzifa Abla Gomashie, who supported him during a parliamentary session where he defended the ministry’s budget. “I went to parliament to defend the ministry’s budget and when Dzifa Abla Gomashie entered, she said she wanted to sit by me. She sat by me, said she had been there before, and that the budget wouldn’t suffice so they should add some to it. And the people were surprised that is that an NDC person?” Okraku-Mantey recalled. “And she said it is the industry we are fighting for. So she is NDC but because we understand something that maybe the rest of them wouldn’t understand, NDC and NPP merged on the day and we got some good results. And so we need more people [creatives] to come on board,” he added.

Addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on a career when entering politics, Okraku-Mantey countered the notion that political involvement necessarily damages a creative’s professional standing. “I never saw that. I became a politician through Akufo-Addo as a candidate. Note, before A Plus and I started this agenda for Candidate Akufo-Addo, creative people were scared to show their faces for politics. Jewel Ackah was somehow a peripheral politician. He didn’t want to show his face, he only did music, he did business,” he said.

Okraku-Mantey further reflected on how public endorsement of political figures can positively influence a creative’s career, citing Kwabena Kwabena as an example. “Kwabena Kwabena became a bigger artiste after ‘NPP Wo Soro’ [song]. Yea, Kwabena Kwabena became more popular after endorsing Candidate Akufo-Addo. So if you have your issues don’t blame them on the political parties. If you manage yourself well, position yourself well as a brand, [you will thrive],” he stated.

In addition, Okraku-Mantey mentioned that despite his transition into politics, former business associates remain interested in continuing collaborations with him. “I spoke with some companies that I used to work with. I said you guys because I am now in politics you wouldn’t want to work with me. They said when I am done with politics, I should come and that they are ready to still do business with me,” he noted.

Looking ahead, the New Patriotic Party is set to launch their manifesto on August 18, 2024, while the National Democratic Congress will unveil theirs on August 27, 2024.

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