Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, recently expressed his deep admiration for the celebrated Ghanaian playwright, Uncle Ebo Whyte.In an interview with GhanaWeb TV for the documentary “The Uncle Ebo Whyte Story: A Legacy of Inspiration & Creativity,” Okraku-Mantey recounted how Whyte offered him invaluable support during his vetting process for the deputy minister position in 2021.

Okraku-Mantey shared that many notable figures in the creative arts sector hesitated to accompany him to the vetting, fearing political associations.However, Uncle Ebo Whyte prioritized their personal bond over potential political implications and chose to stand by him.

“When I went for my vetting, I had called a number of people to accompany me, most of them rejected because they didn't want any affiliation with politics.

“But Uncle Ebo was there for me, he didn't look at the political side, he looked at the relationship he had with me and sacrificed whatever and went with me,” he said.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the significant impact Whyte's presence had on the atmosphere during the vetting. He recalled that mentioning Whyte's name immediately shifted the room’s mood, as many present recognized the playwright’s influence and were eager to engage with him.

“When I was asked a question about theatre and I mentioned that Uncle Ebo was right behind me, the whole mood in the room changed.

“They were asking, ‘Oh, is Uncle Ebo here? Where is he? Oh, how come can't make him out?’ Some of them wanted to connect and network and all of that,” he noted.

Okraku-Mantey praised Uncle Ebo Whyte as a remarkable figure in Ghanaian theatre, acknowledging the extensive contributions he has made through his over 50 plays, which explore themes of family, relationships, faith, and addiction.Whyte’s legacy, according to Okraku-Mantey, is a powerful example of the strength of personal connections and steadfast support.