Entertainment Personalities Who Secured Parliamentary Seats in the 2024 Elections
The 2024 general elections in Ghana have concluded with the official declaration of John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the President-Elect by the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, on December 9, 2024. Alongside the presidential race, a number of entertainment figures from both major political parties, the NPP and NDC, ran for parliamentary seats in various constituencies. These personalities brought their fame and public appeal to politics, and several of them emerged victorious in securing parliamentary positions. Here’s a look at some of the entertainment personalities who succeeded in winning parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections.
John Setor Dumelo: Ayawaso West Wuogon
One of the most high-profile victories came from actor-turned-politician John Setor Dumelo, who won the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat on the NDC ticket. Dumelo’s victory was significant as he defeated Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the incumbent Member of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Dumelo secured 47,560 votes, while Alhassan garnered 39,214 votes. This marks a major political shift in the constituency, which has long been considered a stronghold of the NPP. This victory was especially important as it represents Dumelo’s second attempt at the seat after his previous defeat by Alhassan in the 2020 elections. Dumelo’s win is viewed as a symbolic triumph for the NDC and an indication that the political tides in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency could be changing. Dumelo’s win is also seen as a testimony to the rising influence of entertainment figures in Ghana’s political scene.
Kwame A-Plus: Gomoa Central
Kwame Asare Obeng, known in the entertainment world as A-Plus, also made a significant mark in the 2024 parliamentary elections by winning the Gomoa Central seat in the Central Region. Running as an independent candidate, A-Plus defeated the NPP’s incumbent MP, Nana Eyiah Quansah, with a margin of 2,000 votes. A-Plus received a total of 14,277 votes, while Quansah secured 11,637 votes. This win represents a major milestone for A-Plus, a well-known musician and political activist who has been vocal about social and political issues in the country. A-Plus’s victory is notable not only for his political acumen but also for the growing trend of celebrities stepping into the political arena in Ghana. His win illustrates the evolving political landscape and the increasing appeal of independent candidates in the country. A-Plus has consistently used his platform to promote change, and his success at the polls shows that his message resonated with the electorate.
The Growing Influence of Entertainment Figures in Politics
The involvement of entertainment personalities in the 2024 elections is part of a broader trend in Ghanaian politics, where public figures with significant social media followings and recognition are using their platforms to influence political discourse. The victories of John Dumelo and Kwame A-Plus are evidence of this shift, as they successfully leveraged their fame and appeal to secure parliamentary positions. These wins reflect a growing desire among voters to elect candidates who have a connection to the people, regardless of their background in formal politics.
While Dumelo and A-Plus were the most notable entertainment personalities to win parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections, other figures from the entertainment industry also contested in various constituencies. Some of these individuals were not as successful, but their participation highlights the increasing trend of celebrities entering politics and bringing their public support with them. Whether they are running for office or using their platforms to advocate for social change, these personalities have become an integral part of Ghana’s evolving political landscape.
Political Engagement Beyond Entertainment
The successful elections of entertainment figures like John Dumelo and Kwame A-Plus suggest that there is growing voter interest in candidates who blend celebrity status with a passion for public service. These entertainment personalities often engage with the public on social media, and their victories show that they can connect with voters on a personal level, sharing their concerns and advocating for issues that matter to their constituencies.
In the 2024 elections, these figures added a new dimension to the traditional political process. As more entertainers and public figures run for office, it becomes clear that politics in Ghana is becoming more inclusive, with a greater emphasis on engaging citizens, particularly the younger generation, who are heavily influenced by social media and popular culture. As the political landscape continues to change, figures like John Dumelo and Kwame A-Plus will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of Ghanaian politics. Their involvement demonstrates that entertainment and politics are increasingly intertwined in modern-day Ghana.
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