Actress Ebi Bright Reveals She Was Told Politics Isn't for 'Cantata' People

Ghanaian actress and newly elected Member of Parliament for Tema Central, Ebi Bright, has shared her journey into politics, shedding light on the challenges and obstacles she faced while entering a field traditionally dominated by more experienced politicians. Despite her success, Ebi revealed that her political ambitions were met with skepticism, mockery, and even outright dismissal.

In a candid interview with Graphic Showbiz, Ebi, who also has an established career as a diplomat, spoke about the difficulties she encountered during her early campaign efforts. She recalled how, at several points during her political journey, she was ridiculed for attempting to enter the political arena, with many telling her that politics was not for someone like her. “I was told point blank that politics is not for ‘Cantata’ people like me,” she recalled. “I remember one man saying, ‘Does this girl think politics is the Cantata she acts?’”

Such remarks, Ebi explained, reflected the deep-seated marginalization faced by women and individuals from certain backgrounds trying to make their mark in politics. Despite these discouraging comments, Ebi saw this as an opportunity to prove herself and inspire other creatives to consider politics. She believes that her win will encourage others in the creative industry to get involved in politics and challenge the conventional barriers.

“I intend to move beyond partisanship and have a good strategy that serves the interest of the people of Tema Central,” Ebi said, underscoring her commitment to serving her constituents with a focus on their needs, rather than political affiliation. Ebi’s path to parliament was not an easy one; it took her three attempts before she was elected as the Member of Parliament for Tema Central, a seat traditionally dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Her political career began in 2012, when she made her first attempt to secure a parliamentary seat, running under a different political banner. Although she did not succeed, Ebi expressed satisfaction in the fact that her efforts helped spark interest in politics among her peers, particularly within the creative industry. “I’m glad that I was able to ignite the passion of my colleagues to take a look at politics,” she said.

Ebi’s victory was particularly significant as Tema Central had been considered a stronghold for the NPP, making it seem like a very difficult seat to win for any other party. Her success in this traditionally conservative constituency marked a historic moment, demonstrating that barriers could be broken even in places where opposition seemed unlikely. “I don’t see any barriers in the pursuit of my interests. That is why I have broken all the odds against me in this election,” she remarked proudly.

Despite the challenges she faced, Ebi remains undeterred and optimistic about her future in politics. “Tema Central was considered a very safe seat for the NPP but here we are today. I’m elated to be part of our next Parliament,” she said, expressing her joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve her community.

Ebi’s victory is a testament to her resilience and determination, and it serves as an inspiration to others who might feel that politics is an inaccessible field. Through her experiences, Ebi has shown that anyone, regardless of their background, can overcome adversity and succeed in politics, provided they are determined and focused on the issues that matter most to their constituents.

As a newly elected Member of Parliament, Ebi Bright plans to serve her community with a focus on unity and the collective good, moving beyond partisanship. Her win represents not only a personal triumph but also a powerful message for others who aspire to break down barriers in the political arena.