John Dumelo Addresses Criticism Over Transition from Entertainment to Politics
Ghanaian actor-turned-politician John Dumelo has responded to criticisms about his career shift from entertainment to politics, emphasizing the importance of diverse backgrounds in governance.
Speaking on Hitz FM's Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Dumelo reflected on the skepticism and stigma he faced when he announced his political ambitions. Many doubted his capability, questioning how an entertainer could effectively transition into a political role.
The actor, who has successfully transitioned from a celebrated acting career to representing his constituents, expressed disappointment at the dismissive attitudes he encountered. He pointed out the diversity of professional backgrounds in Ghana’s Parliament, highlighting that politicians come from various fields such as law, medicine, and business.
"I see it as a little bit disrespectful because you have lawyers, you have doctors, you have businessmen in Parliament,” Dumelo remarked. “We even had hairdressers in Parliament.”
Dumelo argued that the essence of political service lies in effectively representing one’s constituents, regardless of prior professions. He noted that entertainers play a crucial role in society, often influencing public opinion, and even politicians recognize their power during campaigns by seeking their endorsements.
"They come to entertainers to endorse them during political campaigns because they know how powerful entertainers can be," he explained.
For Dumelo, the criticism is something he has learned to brush aside. He stated that he views such remarks with humor but remains focused on the ultimate goal of serving the people. "That stigma is just one of those things. When people say it, I just laugh about it. But all in all, it's for us to represent the people well,” he added.
Dumelo’s political journey has been marked by significant milestones. Representing the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), he defeated the incumbent Member of Parliament Lydia Seyram Alhassan in the election. Dumelo secured 47,560 votes compared to Alhassan's 39,214 votes.
His success demonstrates his ability to transcend the entertainment industry’s boundaries and prove that individuals from diverse career paths can excel in politics. Dumelo’s journey continues to challenge stereotypes, showing that a background in entertainment does not preclude one from contributing meaningfully to governance. His story serves as an inspiration for others who aspire to break barriers and serve their communities in new ways.
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