John Dumelo, actor, politician and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has pushed back on the notion the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MoTAC) should be led by a creative arts player.

“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,” he told Graphic Showbiz.

“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,” he explained.

“What is more important is to be visionary and seek the welfare of the players you represent at the ministry.”

MoTAC was established in 2013 by President John Dramani Mahama. Previously, tourism had its own ministry, while culture was under the Chieftancy Ministry. Arts was sidelined, as it were.

Since the merging, there has been a growing advocacy to have creatives lead the ministry. However, notable creatives have been appointed as deputies, rather: actress Abla Dzifa Gomashie (2012-2016) and media and music executive Mark Okraku Mantey (2017-2025).

With the return of Mahama to office, the advocacy has resurfaced with Dumelo’s name mentioned among other names like Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Rex Omar, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD), and Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu.