Actor and Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo has emphasized that becoming the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture requires more than just a background in the creative arts.
He made this point in response to calls for a creative professional to be appointed to the position in President John Mahama’s upcoming government. Dumelo believes the role demands a broader vision, one that focuses on the welfare and progress of the creative industry, rather than just the credentials of the person being a creative.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Dumelo stated, “I perfectly understand the position of my people but I think that being a Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture goes beyond being a creative. What is more important is to be visionary and seek the welfare of the players you represent at the ministry. Who can best represent the ideals and goals, and equally understand the policies of the sector? That’s what is important to me and not whether the person is a Creative or not.”
This particular ministry was established by John Mahama when he took office in 2013, after merging the tourism and culture ministries, while adding arts to the portfolio—a move likely inspired by the creative arts industry’s demand for a dedicated body to oversee its growth. Previously, arts were not given direct representation, as it was not included in the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture.
There has been ongoing debate within the creative sector about whether a minister should come from within the industry. Past ministers such as Abla Dzifa Gomashie and Mark Okraku Mantey, who served as deputy ministers, have represented the sector to some extent.
With President Mahama poised to announce his choice for the ministry, names like Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Baba Sadiq, and Rex Omar are reportedly under consideration due to their experience and contributions to the industry.
