Focus on Akufo-Addo, not Okraku-Mantey, for broken creative arts promises - Sadiq

Ghanaian entertainment entrepreneur and politician Baba Sadiq has urged stakeholders in the entertainment industry to stop targeting Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, over unfulfilled promises.

In an interview with Hitz FM on August 7, 2024, Baba Sadiq stated that the lack of progress in the creative industry is due to the absence of strong governmental commitment, not Okraku-Mantey's efforts.

He pointed out that without overarching support from the government, especially the president, Okraku-Mantey cannot achieve significant change.

"People should just stop this thing and stop picking on Mark specifically because they have issues with him, they have to pick on the government. There's no strong will by the government to say, 'We're looking to develop the creative industry. We're looking to enable the creative industry. These are the big vision, bold ideas, and these are the things we're looking to do.' Those things are not there," he stated.

Baba Sadiq further explained that Okraku-Mantey, as a deputy minister, is limited in his capacity to effect change without the backing of higher authorities.

He urged critics to address their concerns directly to the president and remind him of the numerous unfulfilled promises made to the creative industry.

"Mark is just a figure. He can’t do anything. He's a deputy minister. People like to pick on him. But they should talk to the president directly. And say, 'Chief… You’ve made 21 promises to us. You’ve not been able to deliver this. What is happening? Speak about some of these things,'" Sadiq added.

Over the years, many stakeholders in the entertainment industry have called out the Tourism Ministry over the negligence of the creative arts sector despite the promises made.

With the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 7, 2024, NDC flagbearer and former President John Dramani Mahama will be competing against Vice-President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, New Force Movement leader Nana Kwame Bediako, and Movement for Change leader Alan Kyerematen.

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