John Dumelo, the actor-turned-politician, farmer and the Ayawaso West Wuogon MP, has been approved by Parliament after appearing before the Appointments Committee as the Deputy Food & Agriculture Minister-designate.

Apart from Dumelo, Clement Apaak was approved as Deputy Education Minister, Thomas Ampem Nyarko as Deputy Finance Minister, and Samson Ahi as Deputy Trade, Agribusiness & Industry Minister.

Given his reputation in mixed farming and his wide influence, Dumelo’s appointment is expected to make agriculture and agribusiness attractive to young people, as he works to introduce new and exciting ideas to advance food production and security, and deepen support for local farming communities, among other things.

After his second attempt, Dumelo ended the 24-year reign of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.