Uncle Ebo Whyte accompanied me to my vetting when nobody else would - Okraku-Mantey

The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey has shared his admiration for the renowned playwright Uncle Ebo Whyte. 

In an interview with GhanaWeb TV for the documentary “The Uncle Ebo Whyte Story: A Legacy of Inspiration & Creativity,”  Mark Okraku-Mantey described how Ebo Whyte supported him during his vetting process for the deputy minister position in 2021.

He narrated how he had difficulty getting notable stakeholders from the creative arts sector to accompany him for his vetting due to them not wanting to be associated with politics.

However, Uncle Ebo Whyte stood by Mr. Okraku-Mantey, choosing their personal relationship over any potential political affiliations. 

“When I went for my vetting, I had called a number of people to accompany me, most of them rejected because they didn't want any affiliation with politics. 

“But Uncle Ebo was there for me, he didn't look at the political side, he looked at the relationship he had with me and sacrificed whatever and went with me,” he said.

Okraku-Mantey noted how Uncle Ebo Whyte's presence led to a change in the atmosphere of the room shifted dramatically.

 

“When I was asked a question about theatre and I mentioned that Uncle Ebo was right behind me, the whole mood in the room changed. 

“They were asking, ‘Oh, is Uncle Ebo here? Where is he? Oh, how come can't make him out?’ Some of them wanted to connect and network and all of that,” he noted.

Mr. Okraku-Mantey highlighted the profound impact of Uncle Ebo's presence in the creative arts industry, stating "Uncle Ebo is a great man by all standards."

Uncle Ebo Whyte's legacy in Ghanaian theatre still carries on today, with more than 50 plays to his name, covering various topics such as family, relationships, faith, and addictions.

His journey is a testament to the power of personal relationships and unwavering support.

ID/OGB

Watch the full documentary on Uncle Ebo Whyte below:



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