The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey has stated that one of the reasons some corporate bodies shy away from sponsoring entertainment brands is post-event controversies. 

According to him, there are companies who do not want to associate themselves with such controversies. 

“My advice to the media is that they are part of the problem, sometimes. I know of some sponsors who wouldn’t want come on board because after sponsoring events controversies will come up.

And aftermath is a big deal to the event organiser as well the sponsor. How people perceive the event will end up affecting the sponsor or the brand and so sometimes they just want to disassociate to avoid some of those controversies," he said.

Making the point as a Guest Speaker during Joy FM’s Showbiz Roundtable, Mark said the duties of both parties must be respected.

He commended Joy FM for putting together the programme which seeks to educate creatives on the dynamics of sponsorship. 

On the contrary, Brand Director Regina Ofori noted there is no brand or event that does not have a shred of controversy.

She believes, especially with the creative industry, controversy cannot be avoided. However, it is up to the sponsor of such events to consider the weight of the controversy and how it benefits either party. 

“Whenever you sponsor a platform, you go in for the good, the bad and the ugly. I think it’s where you see a balance. You need to see a good balance and say, ‘is the good 60%, and is the ugly 60%. I don’t know. So you take a decision on that.”

“There is no platform there is no platform that will be devoid of controversies. Okay ben if it is a gospel show that you sponsor, there will be controversy about a musician who dressed and didn’t dress like a gospel musician. People will talk about it, right? So that’s a controversy. That will happen,” she said. 

She reiterated that once the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, there is nothing wrong with it. 

“For something like music, that kind of industry, believe you me, controversy adds to the hype. So it doesn’t mar the conversation a lot. It’s something that is expected. 

She said anytime she goes to a music awards ceremony she expects something to happen. I am expecting that dress that will [let people talk]. If it doesn’t happen, it hasn’t delivered. It has under delivered.” She added. 

The third edition of the programme was moderated by the host of ‘Showbiz A-Z’, Kwame Dadzie, Joy News’ Noella Kharyne Yalley as MC. 

‘Showbiz Roundtable’ was powered by Showbiz A-Z and supported by Joy Entertainment.