Shatta Wale

Okraku Mantey is the Least Intelligent in the Industry’ – Shatta Wale Sparks Fresh Controversy in Ghana Music

Shatta Wale is back in the headlines again after dropping a bombshell comment about Mark Okraku Mantey, calling the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture “the least intelligent in the industry.” The dancehall king made the statement during a recent live session that quickly went viral, reigniting his long-running tension with industry stakeholders in Ghana.

The feud between Shatta Wale and Okraku Mantey isn’t new. The two have clashed publicly for years over issues affecting the Ghana music industry, from streaming payouts to government support for artists. Okraku Mantey, who served as president of the Creative Arts Council before becoming Deputy Minister, has often criticized Shatta Wale’s approach to advocacy and his confrontational style on social media. Shatta Wale has consistently fired back, accusing Okraku Mantey of not understanding the real struggles of musicians on the ground.

This latest jab came as Shatta Wale was addressing what he believes is wrong with the Ghana music industry in 2026. He argued that people in positions of power lack the vision and practical knowledge to push the industry forward. Calling Okraku Mantey the “least intelligent” was his way of expressing frustration over policies and decisions that he feels don’t benefit up-and-coming artists. The comment immediately divided fans and industry players online, with some agreeing that more should be done for musicians, while others condemned Shatta Wale’s choice of words.

Okraku Mantey has yet to respond directly to the latest insult, but he’s previously said he welcomes criticism and remains focused on his work to develop the creative arts sector. Under his tenure, the ministry has pushed for copyright reforms, venue development, and international promotion of Ghanaian culture. Critics say progress has been slow, while supporters argue that real change takes time and government bureaucracy.

For Shatta Wale, speaking his mind has always been part of his brand. Whether fans call it courage or controversy, the SM boss knows how to keep conversations going. At this point, his comments about Okraku Mantey have once again put the spotlight on the bigger question: who really understands the Ghana music industry, and what needs to change for artists to win?

As the back-and-forth continues, one thing is clear Shatta Wale won’t stay silent, and Okraku Mantey won’t stop defending his work. The Ghana music industry is watching, and the debate about intelligence, leadership, and vision is far from over.