Renowned broadcaster and Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, popularly known as Abeiku Santana, has officially responded to recent claims made by former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, regarding his alleged continued involvement in radio broadcasting.
Mr. Okraku-Mantey raised concerns over the continued silence of the media industry regarding Abeiku Santana’s active role as host of Okay FM’s drive time show Ekwanso Dwoodwoo despite his appointment as the Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority under President Mahama’s administration.
According to him, there appears to be a double standard in the way such matters are addressed when involving certain individuals.
However, in an X post, Abeiku Santana denied the claims and asked the general public to disregard the comments.
“I wish to categorically state that the recent claim made by Mr. Mark Okraku Mantey, alleging that I am still actively engaged in radio broadcasting despite my government appointment, is entirely false and misleading.”
The post aims to set the record straight and dispel ongoing speculation regarding Abeiku Santana’s professional responsibilities since taking up his role at the Ghana Tourism Authority under President Mahama’s administration.
Mr Okraku Mantey’s comment attracted various responses from netizens. Some have supported the former Deputy Minister’s claim, while others criticised the Deputy CEO of GTA.
A group of Ghanaians advised the deputy CEO to tender his resignation at Okay FM so he can focus on his government appointment. Another group asked Abeiku Santana to disregard the former Minister’s comments.
“Even if it’s true, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Was SEFA KAYI doing an apprenticeship at Peace FM when they were in power?”
@whyte_collegi
“THIS DENIAL ISN’T ENGLISH! You very well know how political propaganda works in Ghana! Demand that Mark Okraku Mantey use the same platform/studio to retract and apologise for making those false claims. Don’t try to be too nice and gentle in Ghana’s politics!”
@Emmanue48407309
“But let me ask, ooo Senior, is it wrong? Because per the time you come on the radio, if you even go to the office every day at 8 am and close at 2 pm, you can still do your radio work.”
@NhanayawSammie
“Not enough. Take him to court and let him have his day in Court. If you don’t do this, then you’re on your own.”
@Mohammed_9266
“You shouldn’t have responded to that failed 3-month deputy minister.. He is shameless.”
@hismaken
Mike Two Defends Abeiku Santana Amid Okraku-Mantey’s Criticism
Popular radio host and presenter of Entertainment Hall on Adom FM, Mike Two, waded into the ongoing debate surrounding Abeiku Santana’s dual role as both a government appointee and a media personality.
His comments come in the wake of statements made by former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, against Abeiku Santana.
However, Mike Two, in reacting to these comments, countered the criticism, stating that Abeiku Santana has not violated any laws by maintaining his position in the private sector while serving in a governmental capacity. “Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey – no law prohibits Abeiku from working in both a private company and a government sector,” Mike Two asserted.
“Abeiku may have committed a crime only if he were drawing two government salaries, as in the case of an MP also serving as a minister. But as it stands, the law permits one to earn from both the public and private sectors.”
Mike Two
He further explained that as long as there is an understanding between the two entities, that is, the Ghana Tourism Authority and Okay FM, allowing Abeiku Santana to balance both roles, no legal or ethical boundaries have been crossed.
READ ALSO: Ocloo Defends Streetlight Record Amid Cable Theft Crisis
