The manager of Ghanaian artiste Kwabena Kwabena has responded to comments made by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, who stated that the artiste became more successful after endorsing the NPP.

During an interview with Joy FM on August 10, 2024, Okraku-Mantey claimed that political affiliations can benefit creatives, citing Kwabena Kwabena as an example. He suggested that the singer’s career gained momentum after endorsing Nana Akufo-Addo.

However, in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie on August 14, 2024, Kwabena Kwabena’s manager, Nana Poku Ashis, criticized Okraku-Mantey’s statement as “vague” and questioned the deputy minister’s definition of “success.”

Ashis explained that while Kwabena Kwabena’s career was not negatively impacted after his initial support for the NPP in 2008, he began to face significant challenges when the party failed to win power in 2012.

“He was victimized in many ways. Some of his fans, particularly those who supported the opposition, were upset that he used his platform to campaign for the NPP. Others were disappointed in him for doing so. He received backlash on social media, and some fans even vowed to stop attending his shows, leading to a decline in his audience numbers,” Ashis stated.

Despite these setbacks, Kwabena Kwabena continued to work tirelessly, hoping for support from the NPP, but none materialized, even after the party came to power in 2016.

“He believed that with his party in power, he could make a few calls and secure some support, but all his efforts were in vain. He received no help and had to struggle on his own,” Ashis added.

Ashis emphasized that the artist’s growth was a result of his own determination and hard work, rather than any direct support from the NPP.

“Why try to take credit for something you didn’t contribute to? You didn’t create opportunities for him, you didn’t provide financial support. If he has become bigger, it wasn’t because of the NPP endorsement. In fact, he faced backlash after endorsing them and had to work his way up. Mark’s statement is vague,” he argued.

Ashis also pointed out that Kwabena Kwabena’s endorsement of the NPP was motivated by genuine admiration for Akufo-Addo, not financial gain. Moving forward, any future engagements would be strictly business.

“He wasn’t paid for his support. He did it out of love for the candidate, Akufo-Addo. Lessons have been learned, and from now on, everything will be handled as a business venture,” he declared.

Meanwhile, Kwabena Kwabena has distanced himself from politics and is focused on his music career. He is currently promoting his new song “Fakye Me” from his upcoming gospel EP, God of Restoration.