Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, Mark Okraku Mantey, has expressed concern over the trend of entertainment pundits and industry newcomers criticizing seasoned creatives under the guise of offering advice.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM on November 21, Okraku Mantey highlighted how individuals with limited experience often judge veterans without understanding their journey or challenges.
“In Ghana’s creative industry, you’ll find someone with just one project advising Okraku Mantey, who has an 8-year album achievement. It’s the beginners advising the veterans. Why? This must change,” he stated.
He further emphasized the need for respect and understanding, saying, “I am a role model to your model. If you’ve not undertaken any significant project in the arts, how can you truly appreciate my struggles? Yet, you’re given a platform to advise me.”
Okraku Mantey called on entertainment commentators engaging in such behavior to desist, stressing the importance of respecting the experiences and contributions of veterans in the industry.
“In Ghana and the creative industry, you would see somebody who has done just one job advising Okraku Mantey with 8-year album achievement. It is the beginners who are advising the veterans.
“Why? It must change…I am a role model to your model and if I am a role model to your role model, if you have not done any project in your arts, how would you appreciate my pain but you are given the microphone to advise me,” he added.
Mark Okraku Mantey has been in the creative industry for over a decade. The Deputy Tourism Minister has once been a producer and artiste manager.
