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 Party’s (NPP) loss in the 2024 elections to its use of King Paluta’s Makoma during the campaign. We wish to clarify that while Okraku Mantey criticized the party’s choice of the song on ethical grounds—citing its profane lyrics—he did not suggest that it contributed to the NPP’s 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 Party’s (NPP) use of King Paluta’s 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.
“Do you know that the song we were playing, ‘Sisifia,’ is profane? It is profane. This party has people like me, George Quaye—those 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 Bawumia—look at his brand—then we, as a party, ask Dr. Bawumia to dance to it…” 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 Paluta’s Makoma became a signature tune for the NPP’s 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 song’s association with his candidacy. Critics argue that the use of a song with explicit language was a misstep, especially given the party’s 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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