Nana Poku Ashis, manager of renowned Ghanaian artist Kwabena Kwabena, has responded to comments made by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Mark Okraku-Mantey, suggesting that the artist’s success was tied to his endorsement of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In an interview with Joy FM on August 10, 2024, Okraku-Mantey implied that artists could benefit from political affiliations, citing Kwabena Kwabena as an example. However, Ashis has rejected this claim, describing it as “ambiguous” and challenging the deputy minister’s understanding of the situation.
Ashis clarified that Kwabena Kwabena’s career was already established before endorsing the NPP in 2008, but faced significant challenges after the party’s defeat in the 2012 election. The artist encountered criticism from opposition supporters and a decline in backing, making it clear that his career growth was a result of his hard work, not political affiliations.
“Why take credit for something you didn’t contribute to?” Ashis questioned. “You didn’t give him any money or support, so if he has grown, it’s not because he endorsed the NPP. In fact, he faced backlash for that endorsement and had to work his way back up. So Mark’s statement is vague.”
