Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey
Correction: In an earlier publication, we erroneously stated that former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, attributed the New Patriotic Partyโs (NPP) loss in the 2024 elections to its use of King Palutaโs Makoma during the campaign. We wish to clarify that while Okraku Mantey criticized the partyโs choice of the song on ethical groundsโciting its profane lyricsโhe did not suggest that it contributed to the NPPโs electoral defeat. He was primarily speaking on the ethics of journalism. We regret the misrepresentation and apologize for any confusion caused.
Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey, has raised concerns about ethical brand management, citing the New Patriotic Partyโs (NPP) use of King Palutaโs Makoma during the 2024 election campaign.
Speaking in an interview on Peace FM, Okraku Mantey questioned the decision-making process that led to the party adopting the song, arguing that it contains profane lyrics.
โDo you know that the song we were playing, โSisifia,โ is profane? It is profane. This party has people like me, George Quayeโthose of us in the music industry. Take me as an example; nobody will consult you on music. Then we take a profane song for someone like Dr. Mahamudu Bawumiaโlook at his brandโthen we, as a party, ask Dr. Bawumia to dance to itโฆโ he stated.
“He [Paluta] used a profane word and media houses play that song. I have defended King Paluta’s ‘Aseda’ before, but this other one [Makoma] is profane,” Okraku Mantey added.
King Palutaโs Makoma became a signature tune for the NPPโs campaign ahead of the December 7, 2024, elections. The song, which explores themes of love and respect in relationships, was widely embraced by party supporters. In a recent interview, Paluta himself highlighted how the lyrics had positively influenced marriages by encouraging women to appreciate and respect their husbands.
However, Okraku Mantey pointed out that one of the words in the song explicitly references the female sex organ, making it inappropriate for a political campaign.
Throughout the campaign, Dr. Bawumia was frequently seen dancing to Makoma on various platforms, reinforcing the songโs association with his candidacy. Critics argue that the use of a song with explicit language was a misstep, especially given the partyโs brand image.
The NPP ultimately lost both the presidential and parliamentary elections to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Watch video of Mark Okraku Mantey’s submission below:
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