God is Good – Dumelo Opens Up About the Intense Online Criticism After His 2020 Election Loss

John Dumelo, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, recently opened up about the intense social media criticism he faced after his defeat in the 2020 general election. Reflecting on the harsh trolling he experienced, Dumelo shared his thoughts in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on December 11, 2024. He acknowledged that had he not emerged victorious in the 2024 elections, he would likely have been subjected to another round of online mockery. “By now, boys would be trolling me on Twitter that I’ve lost again… God is good paa oooo,” Dumelo wrote, expressing his gratitude for the positive turn his political career had taken.

Dumelo’s comments shed light on the challenging and often brutal nature of online criticism, particularly for public figures and politicians. Despite the negativity, he credited the trolling he faced in 2020 for fueling his determination and drive to succeed. He recounted the hurtful comments and taunts that were frequently directed at him, including phrases like “John can never win Ayawaso,” “Ayawaso is NPP’s stronghold,” “Go to Volta and contest,” and “Mr. Bottom-up approach.” These remarks, while discouraging, only motivated him further. Dumelo stated that the backlash pushed him to work harder, refine his strategies, and focus on winning the seat in the 2024 elections. “Handling trolling well can lead to success,” he added, revealing how criticism, if managed correctly, can serve as a powerful motivator for achieving one’s goals.

Dumelo, who is well known for his career as an actor before entering politics, ran for the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat in the 2020 general elections under the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Although he was defeated by the incumbent Lydia Seyram Alhassan of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dumelo’s determination never wavered. The loss in 2020, instead of discouraging him, became a turning point that shaped his resolve to come back stronger in 2024. The 2024 elections would prove to be a significant moment in Dumelo’s political journey.

In the 2024 general elections, Dumelo contested the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat once again, this time securing a decisive victory over Alhassan. His win represents a major political shift in the constituency, which had long been considered a stronghold of the NPP. Dumelo’s triumph was not only personal but also symbolic of the NDC’s growing influence in areas previously dominated by the NPP. His victory marked a significant milestone for him, as he became the new representative of Ayawaso West Wuogon in the 9th Parliament.

In the final tally of the 2024 elections, Dumelo received 47,560 votes, while Lydia Alhassan garnered 39,214 votes. This margin of victory reflected the overwhelming support Dumelo received from the electorate, signaling a shift in the political landscape of the region. Dumelo’s win was especially notable because Ayawaso West Wuogon had been regarded as a stronghold for the NPP, making his success a clear indication that the political dynamics of the area were changing. Dumelo’s ability to overcome the online backlash from 2020 and secure a hard-fought victory in 2024 demonstrated his resilience, strategic thinking, and commitment to serving his constituents.

Looking back at the challenges he faced, Dumelo emphasized the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. While the social media trolling in 2020 may have initially been disheartening, Dumelo’s ability to channel that negativity into motivation was key to his success. His message to others who may face similar online criticism was clear: do not let the negativity define you. Instead, use it as fuel to work harder and achieve your goals. Dumelo’s story highlights the powerful role that determination and hard work can play in overcoming obstacles, whether in politics, personal life, or any other field.

John Dumelo’s victory in the 2024 general elections is a testament to his perseverance and growth as a politician. Despite the harsh online criticism following his 2020 defeat, Dumelo used that experience as motivation to work smarter and harder, ultimately winning the seat in Ayawaso West Wuogon. His journey from actor to politician, and his ability to handle adversity with grace, serves as an inspiration for others facing challenges in their own lives. Dumelo’s story is a reminder that success often comes from overcoming setbacks and remaining focused on one’s goals, regardless of the obstacles along the way.