Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has called on young Ghanaian musicians to actively promote Highlife instead of sidelining it in favor of foreign musical influences.
Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show, Okraku-Mantey expressed concern that many emerging artistes seem reluctant to fully embrace Highlife, often blending their music heavily with international sounds because they believe that is what sells in today’s market.
“But you know, they themselves don’t believe in Highlife. As a people, we are always chasing something outside,” he said, emphasizing that the genre remains a key part of Ghana’s cultural identity.
According to him, Highlife is the defining sound that sets Ghanaian music apart on the global stage and must be intentionally preserved and promoted. He referenced comments by John Dramani Mahama, who has previously noted that Ghanaians have historically shown a strong preference for foreign products, a mindset that has also influenced musical tastes in the country.
“You find it in our music, and it’s not because of these young ones. Including myself, including the people who performed in the 70s. They’ve all been chasing foreign sounds because the consumer himself has a taste for foreign products,” he added.
Okraku-Mantey’s remarks come at a time when conversations within Ghana’s music industry are intensifying around the need to protect and elevate traditional genres while still embracing global influences. As Afrobeats and other international sounds continue to shape contemporary music, industry stakeholders are urging a balance that ensures Highlife remains relevant and widely celebrated.
He therefore encouraged musicians, producers, and fans to consciously support the genre, stressing that preserving Highlife is not only a cultural responsibility but also a strategic way to position Ghanaian music strongly on the global stage.