Deputy Tourism Minister, Mark Okraku-Mantey has urged entertainment pundits to make an effort to get informed adequately about topics in the industry.

This, he believes, will enhance discussions during forums on media platforms.

Some days ago, entertainment pundit on Daybreak Hitz, Kwesi Ernest, pleaded on Ghanaian embassies abroad to assist musicians in penetrating foreign markets.

He lamented the lack of support from high commissioners for the creative arts sector.

Mr Ernest mentioned that support from these people in high places can go a long way to push Ghanaian music internationally.

But speaking on Hitz FM, Mark Okraku-Mantey rejected that notion.

The minister referred to the ‘The Vis-à-vis’ cultural project organised by Spain’s public diplomacy institution as one of the initiatives that helped in that regard.

On that occasion, the movie comprised Casa África in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), the Spanish Embassy in Accra and the Ghanaian Embassy in Madrid.

Kyekyeku & FRA bands were adjudged winners out of 64 bands that applied to audition for the Casa Vis-a-Vis Ghana Espana Project.

“We were in this country when Hon. Catherine Afeku had a deal with the Spanish embassy to bring Casa Africa to Ghana. So we took two bands out of Ghana and gave each band 10 performances in Europe. It was a big deal that was initiated by President Akuffo-Addo’s government. 

“It was that same deal that grew the relationship between Ghana and Spain,” he explained.

Mark Okraku-Mantey believes it is important for pundits to research matters, so they do not misinform their audience.

“Let’s look for information. Now that you want to talk policy, let’s just not talk based on showbiz. Let’s look for the information. For all you know things are happening.”