Over the years, some people in showbiz, culture and media have put themselves up to challenge the notion that politics is the preserve of people who generally considered as serious-minded.
While some of these entertainers have either made an attempt or teased the public of their intention to run political office, a few actually got the nod to be in government.
In this piece, I introduce to you 10 Ghanaian celebrities who either expressed interest in getting into parliament or really got voted into parliament.
1. Gideon Aryeequaye
Broadcast journalist and newscaster, Gideon Aryeequaye on September 16, 2011, filed his nomination as an aspirant for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary seat for Weija constituency but he lost to Bright Edem Kojo.
This was the second time Gideon Aryeequaye attempted to lead the NDC as he lost his first attempt to represent then Weija Constituency primaries prior to the 2008 Parliamentary elections, fell short. He was beaten by Sherriff Otto-Duodu who lost the eventual contest to incumbent Shirley Ayorkor Botway in the 2008 Parliamentary elections.
2. Kofi Asare Brako
Renowned sports presenter Kofi Asare-Brako, popularly known as Abatey also decided to run for Member of Parliament (MP) for the Akyem Oda Constituency in 2012.
He wanted to run as an independent candidate to champion developmental issues for the constituency but he stepped down them later.
3. Fritz Baffour
Fritz Baffour was a journalist, stand-up comedian, and actor. He was also a media consultant to the government of Jerry Rawlings. Even though Baffour was involved with the NDC from its inception, he decided to enter into active politics in 2008.
He contested for the Ablekuma South seat and won. Subsequently, he was appointed the Minister for information by President John Mills in 2012.
4. Dzifa Gomashie
Dzifa Gomashie, is one of Ghana’s finest actresses who made her acting debut in 1985 with Talents Theatre Company. She was the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in 2013.
She recently won the NDC Parliamentary Primaries for the Ketu South Constituency.
5. Kwame Dzokoto
Seth Kwame Dzokoto is a broadcaster and actor popularly known in ‘Edziban’, a cooking TV show. In 2014 he was elected the NDC Deputy Propaganda Secretary of the Tarkwa Nsuem constituency in the Western Region. He led the NDC in the Tarkwa Nsuem Constituency but lost to the NPP.
6. John Dumelo
John Dumelo is known for roles in movies such as ‘The Game,’ ‘Ties That Bind’, ‘Secret Shadows’, among others.
Even though he publicly declared his affiliation with the National Democratic Congress in 2012, this is the first time is he putting himself up for the public office.
He just won the Parliamentary Primaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency.
7. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah was well-known for his job as host of Joy FM’s Super Morning Show. On the ticket of the NPP’s, he contested the seat at the Ofoase-Ayirebi Constituency in the Eastern Region in 2016 and won. He is currently the Minister of Information.
8. Ebi Bright
Actress Ebi Bright went unopposed in the 2015 primaries on the NDC. She lost the seat of Tema Central Constituency in the Greater Accra Region to NPP’s Kofi Brako. Meanwhile, she has been given voted for again to hoist the flag of the party in the 2020 elections.
9. Ras Mubarak
Ras Mubarak until his election as Member of Parliament (MP) Kumbungu Constituency in the Northern Region, was a reggae presenter.
He recently got defeated at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries.
10. Abeiku Santana
Abeiku Aggrey is a broadcaster and tourism advocate. In 2016, he declared his intention to contest the seat of Member of Parliament on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress at the Nfantseman Constituency but later declined to contest.
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By: ghanaweekend.com
