Dede Padiki Felt Neglected by Ghana’s Creative Sector Before Her Death – Derrick Manny

Entertainment pundit Derrick Manny has alleged that late Ghanaian Guinness World Records title holder Dede Padiki endured years of disappointment and neglect despite her contributions to promoting Ghana through art.

Speaking on Kessben Entertainment with host Kojo Preko Dankwa, Derrick Manny recounted an emotional conversation he had with the late artist, claiming she often felt overlooked by the very institutions expected to support her.

According to him, Dede Padiki shared how her journey of frustration began after she gained public attention for creating a live painting during the funeral of highlife legend Daddy Lumba. He said the artwork attracted the attention of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who allegedly praised her work and invited her to paint at the launch of the Black Star Experience.

However, Derrick Manny claimed that despite the verbal invitation, Padiki received no official communication before the event. Determined not to miss the opportunity, she reportedly went directly to the venue and introduced herself to the organising committee chairman, Mr. Dogbe, explaining her passion for painting the event. She was eventually allocated a space to showcase her work.

He further alleged that when the minister later saw her at the venue, she remarked that Padiki had “rushed” to the event, but the artist chose not to respond.

Derrick Manny also disclosed that during the UN Reparations Day programme, Dede Padiki was allegedly left out of the official arrangements to showcase creative talents. According to him, it was the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who reached out to her privately and invited her to create an artwork that was later displayed for five visiting heads of state.

He claimed that when the Tourism Minister later saw Padiki’s exhibition, she questioned how the artist had secured a stand at the event.

The entertainment pundit further alleged that before assuming office, the minister had personally assured Padiki that she would appoint her as Chief Executive Officer of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park if she became a minister. However, Derrick Manny said the promise was never fulfilled after her appointment.

He added that Padiki later paid a courtesy call on Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to explain her achievements, including her Guinness World Records recognition, and expressed concern over not receiving any appointment or official role despite her accomplishments.

According to Derrick Manny, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah reportedly contacted the Tourism Minister to inquire about the matter, but the minister allegedly described the earlier promise as “political talk.”

He argued that the repeated disappointments deeply affected the late artist emotionally and contributed to her growing frustration with Ghana’s creative sector.

“Dede Padiki funded most of her tours herself, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rather than the Tourism Ministry or the creative arts sector,” he claimed.

Reflecting on one of their final meetings about three weeks before her death at the Silverbird Cinema during a movie premiere, Derrick Manny said Padiki repeatedly questioned why Ghanaian creatives were not adequately supporting one another.

He stressed that while reports indicate the artist died from complications related to high blood pressure, he believes the emotional pain of feeling unappreciated within the creative industry may have worsened her struggles.

Derrick Manny concluded by calling for greater support, recognition and investment in Ghanaian creatives, arguing that the country risks losing more talented individuals if institutions fail to appreciate and empower them.