George Quaye, Team Lead for ImageBureau, has voiced his disappointment over a comment made by Member of Parliament for the Tolon constituency, Habib Iddrisu, during the vetting of John Dumelo, Deputy Minister Designate for Food and Agriculture.
During Dumelo’s vetting on February 25, 2025, Habib Iddrisu advised him not to approach his new political role as though he were still in the movie industry, stating, “You are not in your movie industry, try to be as serious as you can.”
The MP’s remark has been widely criticized by members of the creative arts industry, who believe it downplays the significance of their work. Among those speaking out is George Quaye, who described the comment as condescending and dismissive.
Quaye also expressed disappointment in John Dumelo for not addressing the remark immediately during the vetting process.
“I was quite a bit disappointed in my brother John Dumelo for not calling it out right there,” Quaye said in an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Doreen Avio.
According to him, Dumelo, who gained national recognition through the film industry, should have seized the moment to defend and elevate the creative sector.
“If it were me, George Quaye, I would have seized it as a perfect opportunity to make a statement for the sector that made me. The sector made me, and I would defend it,” he emphasized.
Despite his disappointment, George Quaye acknowledged that there are influential figures in Parliament who support the arts, mentioning A Plus, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and Hon. Sam George as individuals who have championed the interests of the creative industry.
The incident has reignited conversations about respect for the creative sector and the need for greater recognition of its contributions to national development.
