Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has responded to criticisms targeting him over unfulfilled promises by the ministry.
According to him, he is just a "driver's mate," and the ultimate decision-making power lies with the minister.
In an interview on Joy FM, Okraku-Mantey questioned why stakeholders in the creative arts industry were always singling him out for the shortfalls of the government towards the sector.
“I remember I used the phrase ‘driver’s mate’ for him. Because I have tasted being a deputy minister. I know how it feels to be vice or a deputy minister. Because the ‘steer’ is not for you. And sometimes I hear people defend me. I've even heard Baba Sadiq saying that I am not the main minister.
“I don't know why anytime the industry speaks, they leave the main ministers and come to me,” he said.
He explained the hierarchical structure of government, stating that while he works closely with the executive branch, including the President and Chief of Staff, his primary responsibility is to support the minister.
“The deputy minister does not go to cabinet. It is the minister who goes to the cabinet… The 1992 constitution makes it clear that you go in there to support your minister. And that is why the president consults the main minister before they choose you. So if the minister tells the President that he doesn't want to work with you. You are likely not to get your job. So the deputy minister is a supporter of the minister,” he said.
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