Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has responded to criticisms labelling him as the “worst deputy minister” in the ministry’s history.

Addressing the claims during an interview on Hitz FM, Okraku-Mantey defended his track record, citing the challenges faced during his tenure and his contributions to the sector.

“I saw Abro’s video saying that I am the worst deputy minister ever in that ministry,” he began, clearly agitated by the remark.

Drawing attention to the constitutional framework, he explained, “It is stated in the 1992 Constitution that the deputy minister’s role is to support the main minister. That is why I supported Dr. Bawumia when he stated that he is only a driver’s mate.”

Okraku-Mantey emphasized that his role has always been to influence and support his superior in line with the ministry’s goals. He also pushed back against the claim by inviting comparisons.

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“If you say I am the worst, that means you are comparing. Now tell me, the past deputy ministers against me—what have they done? I have built the amphitheater; tell me what the past deputy ministers who have been in my position have done, and we can talk. So, I am the only deputy in that ministry that you can pinpoint something. I am not the worst.”

One of the minister’s highlighted achievements, the construction of amphitheaters across Ghana, has been a focal point of public discourse.

Critics have questioned the delayed completion of the projects, but Okraku-Mantey attributed the setbacks to the COVID-19 pandemic and financial constraints.

“We are done with 60 to 70 percent of the amphitheaters, and we got short of budget,” he revealed, providing a glimpse into the challenges faced by the ministry. “You know what we have been through as a country for the past years. IMF and even COVID-19, which affected us.”

He reassured Ghanaians that progress was being made, explaining that funding for the projects had been secured and construction would resume shortly.

“The funding to finish the amphitheaters is in. I was even with the finance minister recently, and he asked why we are not coming for the money. So today, some of the contractors are going back to the site.”

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