Celebrated music producer Hammer has expressed his strong opposition to the appointment of Mark Okraku Mantey as Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Hammer, known for his forthright views, did not hold back in detailing his reasons for dissent in an interview on Starr Chat with Bola Ray on Thursday.
“I never supported Mark’s appointment. Everybody knows. I was very loud on social media. I went at it with him. I wasn’t happy because we all know each other. You know that kind of thing you can talk and say, no, Hammer can’t, or Hammer shouldn’t, we are who we are,” Hammer stated.
Hammer elaborated on his reservations, questioning Okraku Mantey’s qualifications for public office. “Our deeds show over time. And we know who we are. Mark over the years hasn’t really done anything. Nobody disputes Mark’s prowess as a businessman, and I’m actually a big fan of his when it comes to a certain point, but you can tell a lot about someone. Public office is different. Public office is putting your needs or your wants aside and championing a cause. He hasn’t displayed that.”
Hammer emphasized that Okraku Mantey’s career has largely focused on personal advancement rather than collective progress. “The whole career of Mark Okraku Mante has been about Mark. Yes, I mean, nobody, it’s not bad. You are developing yourself. But we see how you roll.”
The music producer contrasted Okraku Mantey with another industry figure, Abraham Ohene-Djan, whom he believed would have been a better choice for the deputy ministerial role. “Look at Abraham Ohene-Djan. He’s the one I actually was hoping that he goes ahead.”
Hammer praised Ohene-Djan’s track record of fostering growth and development at OM Studios. “Over the years, Abraham Ohene-Djan, from when we started working, the way he handles OM Studios, everybody who passed through OM Studios, he developed them.
In contrast, Hammer felt that Okraku Mantey lacked a demonstrable commitment to collective progress. How do we know what Abraham has done? Because everybody can see. What you do in your bedroom, we’re not supposed to see. But what you do outside, be your deeds. What you do is who you are. Mark, is not an evil person. But Mark doesn’t have the collective interest at heart.”
Hammer’s outspoken remarks reflect a broader debate within the creative industry regarding leadership and the qualities required for public office. As the new Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey faces the challenge of proving his critics wrong and demonstrating his commitment to the collective good.
Note: Headline amended
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Emmanuel Mensah
