John Dumelo, the Deputy Food and Agriculture Minister-designate, appeared before the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, seeking approval for his new role.
One of the notable moments during the vetting was when Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin questioned Dumelo about his affiliation with any secret societies within the Catholic Church, after Dumelo had expressed being a devout Catholic.
Dumelo responded firmly, stating, “I don’t belong to any society in the Catholic Church.”
However, it was a comment from Tolon MP, Habib Iddrisu, that has sparked significant online discussion.
In advising Dumelo on his new responsibilities, Iddrisu urged him to focus on supporting the Minister for Agriculture, stressing the importance of taking the role seriously.
“If you go to the ministry, try to assist your minister. The ministry is vast, and you should not try to jump the gun. Also, note that when you go to the ministry, you are no longer in the movie industry. Try to be as serious as you can so that you can support your minister in succeeding,” Iddrisu said.
Iddrisu’s remark has caused a stir on social media, with many calling for an apology to the creative arts sector, which they feel was unfairly belittled. Some netizens have even questioned Iddrisu’s intelligence, suggesting that his comment was disrespectful and poorly considered.
The incident has ignited a wider debate about the value of the creative arts in Ghana and the respect it deserves.
