Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has called on critics to reconsider their expectations of deputy ministers.
Speaking on the Daybreak Hitz show in response to criticisms about his performance, Okraku-Mantey referenced former President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure as Vice President.
“I hear people calling me the worst deputy minister ever, but I believe many are speaking from emotion, not facts. As a law student, I base my arguments on legal principles, which is why I seek clarity,” he said.
Further, Okraku-Mantey emphasised that the role of a deputy minister is primarily to support the substantive minister.
“The deputy minister is there to assist the main minister,” he explained.
Moreover, defending his own role, Okraku-Mantey clarified that his achievements are extensions of his minister’s directives.
“If I talk about my work, I refer to my boss. In this hierarchy, nothing happens without the leader’s approval. It’s not just about speaking into a mic; there’s a clear chain of command,” he said.
Additionally, Okraku-Mantey also urged the public to evaluate the overall progress of the ministry rather than focusing solely on individual performances.
“The focus should be on the ministry’s achievements, not just personal contributions,” he concluded.
