We will deliver –Newly elected creative MPs
SIX personalities from Ghana’s creative industry will be part of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of this nation, which kicks off in January next year.
Their winning seats in the next Parliament have stirred a fair amount of optimism in creatives that matters related to their sector would gain better attention in the legislature.
They are actor John Dumelo (Ayawaso West Wuogon), musician Kwame Asare Obeng aka Kwame A Plus (Gomoa Central), media and entertainment executives Baba Sadiq (Okaikwei Central) and Ohene Kwame Frimpong (Asante Akyem North), actress Ebi Bright (Tema Central) and actress/film producer Dzifa Gomashie (Ketu South).
Dzifa Gomashie isn’t a ‘newbie’ since she represented Ketu South last four years but the election of the five others somehow puts a fair amount of shine on the entertainment industry.
According to the elected creative MPs, their victory clearly indicated that politics was not the preserve of career politicians or folks from certain particular occupations. They pointed out that expectations might be high of them as popular figures but they were ready to work in the interest of their constituents and the nation as a whole.
In a chat with Kwame A Plus on Tuesday, December 10, he indicated that politics and governance were not reserved for any class of people. He was positive his ilk going to Parliament would erase the prejudiced mindset that entertainers were not cut for serious handling of national affairs.
“I agree that this is a boost for the creative industry. It will help encourage our people to break the status quo and get into politics. They shouldn’t shy away from it. It’s unfortunate that in our part of the world, people don’t have high regard for creatives but I’m positive that will change going forward.
“Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, is a comedian and famous Hollywood actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was once the governor of California in the United States. Those few examples are proof that entertainers can be part of the political class and governance,” A Plus said.
He secured 14,277 votes, defeating the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) incumbent MP, Naana Eyiah Quansah, by a margin of 2,640 votes to represent the people of Gomoa Central in the Central Region.
A Plus told Graphic Showbiz that he started nursing the idea of running for Parliament six years ago and started getting himself ready for that by going back to school.
“I went back to have a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s and an LLB. I armed myself with some requisite knowledge and I’m glad of the outcome today,” he stated.(Related article: I’m not going to Parliament to fight for the industry, you didn’t put me there- A Plus to creatives)
It has been a long battle for actress Ebi Bright who won the Tema Central seat at her third attempt on the ticket of NDC since 2016. She told Graphic Showbiz she was glad she ignited the passion of her colleagues to take a look at politics when she made her first attempt to get to Parliament in 2012 which was not on the ticket of NDC then.
Ebi Bright, who is also a Development Communicator and Career Diplomat, said her victory meant a lot to her, particularly when she won a seat generally regarded as a safe one for the ruling NPP.
“I don’t see any barriers in the pursuit of my interests. That is why I have broken all the odds against me in this election. Tema Central was considered a very safe seat for the NPP but here we are today. I’m elated to be part of our next Parliament,” she said, recounting how she was sometimes disrespected and talked down as an actress during campaigns.
“I remember one man saying, “Does this girl think politics is the Cantata she acts?” This is how people are marginalised and I know my win will encourage many creatives. I intend to move beyond partisanship and have a good strategy that serves the interest of the people of Tema Central,” she said.
As John Dumelo prepares to take his seat in Parliament, he's reaffirming his determination to make the people of Ayawaso West Wuogon his priority. He also mentioned that though a lot was expected of him as a creative, he would very much go by what the NDC manifesto had proposed for the industry.
“The NDC manifesto has a lot for creatives and we will ensure we go according to it. However, in the event that I need to lobby more for a good cause, I’m ever ready to go the extra mile for my industry.
“I know expectations are high but my performance will either build or break the confidence people will have in creatives desiring to hold political positions,” he stated.
