During the ministerial vetting process yesterday, Member of Parliament for the Tolon constituency, Habib Iddrisu made a comment aimed at John Dumelo—the Deputy Minister designate for the Ministry of Agriculture—saying, "If you go to the ministry, try to assist your minister… Also note that when you go to the ministry, you are not in your movie industry as you are, try to be as serious as you can."

This remark, dripping with condescension, implies that those in the creative arts, particularly the movie industry, lack the seriousness required in other fields. Such an assertion is not only disrespectful to the hardworking professionals in Ghana’s creative sectors but also dangerously misrepresents the significant contributions these industries make to our national economy and cultural heritage. John Dumelo's facial expression upon hearing Habib Iddrisu's remark perfectly reflected the disdain such a comment deserved.

Is this Member of Parliament truly suggesting that the film industry—and by extension, the entire creative sector—is not serious? Such a mindset from a lawmaker is both disappointing and alarming. The film industry is far more than entertainment; it is a structured academic discipline taught in universities globally and a major driver of economic growth. Dismissing it as trivial not only shows ignorance but also undermines the hard work of countless professionals in the sector. Leaders should be championing the creative industry, not belittling it with uninformed remarks.

For context, let’s examine three major film industries—Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2024, Nollywood generated ₦11.5 billion, marking a 60% growth from the previous year. The UK film industry earned £931 million in revenue, with projections to exceed £1 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, Hollywood consistently generates billions of dollars annually, making it the largest film industry in the world. These figures prove that the film industry is not just serious but a global revenue powerhouse, creating jobs, shaping culture, and significantly contributing to national GDPs. The notion that filmmaking is anything less than a vital industry is outdated and must be corrected.

The creative arts—encompassing film, music, dance, and visual arts—are far from frivolous pastimes; they are serious, robust sectors that drive innovation, foster cultural identity, and generate substantial revenue.

In fact, tourism and the creative arts rank among the top five revenue contributors in Ghana, providing jobs for thousands and supporting ancillary industries like advertising, event management, and hospitality. Films and music not only preserve Ghana’s rich cultural legacy but also project our vibrant culture to a global audience, attracting tourists and investors alike. Such irrefutable facts highlight that dismissing the creative arts as mere entertainment is a gross oversimplification that belittles the intellectual rigor, creativity, and economic impact of this sector.

It is imperative that public figures like Habib Iddrisu, recognize and respect the vital role that creative professionals play in our society. His comment not only undermines the value of the creative arts but also perpetuates a harmful stereotype that these fields are less serious than science, math, or other traditionally revered disciplines. For those who endure daily challenges in gaining recognition and support for their creative endeavors, such statements are deeply hurtful. The time has come for an apology that acknowledges the indispensable contributions of the creative arts—an industry that enriches our communities, drives tourism, and inspires future generations.

In a nation that thrives on diversity and creativity, every sector deserves equal respect and support. Disparaging remarks that devalue the creative arts do a disservice to our cultural and economic progress.

It is our hope that people like Habib Iddrisu will reconsider their stance and work towards a more inclusive understanding of what constitutes serious work. After all, in Ghana, science, math, singing, and dancing are all essential threads in the fabric of our nation’s success.

About the author

Amelley Djosu is a broadcast journalist at the Multimedia Group Limited. She is also co-host of Joy Prime's satirical show, 'On a More Serious Note'.