Actress cum politician, Ebi Bright
Ghanaian actress and politician, Ebi Bright, who ran for the Tema Central seat on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket, has shared her motivations for entering politics and her commitment to the creative arts industry.
In an interview, Bright stated that Tema Central initially lacked a candidate because many believed it was not a viable constituency to contest.
However, she said she decided to step up, despite being described as a ‘Kantata actress,’ and run for office.
“Incidentally, Tema Central didn’t have a candidate because everybody said, ‘This place, why will you come and contest here?’ And then there was someone called Ebi Bright, whom they described as a ‘Kantata actress’ coming to the contest,” she said.
On her shift from acting to politics, Ebi Bright admitted that she was once critical of the Ghanaian movie industry but later realised it was her responsibility to use her voice in Parliament to advocate for change.
Bright highlighted the economic potential of the creative arts sector, describing it as a significant contributor to the nation’s survival.
“So, now I have an appreciation for the movie industry because of politics, that I didn’t have before. What many people fail to understand is that making that kind of intervention in the creative space is not only about the space. It’s about the whole economic survival of the country, the nation. This is potentially our number one earner.
“So, it’s about making investments into the spaces, providing jobs, and reaching the lives of those already employed within the ecosystem,” she said.
She also pointed out the challenges faced by creatives, stating that the nation owes a responsibility to its creatives, and it is crucial for those in the industry to speak up and demand better conditions.
“It’s an embarrassment to see the way that creatives retire. Oh, the way that creatives live. You know, this is painful. You know, there’s no dignity, and it’s not a viable career path for many people.
“And so, this is a responsibility that the nation owes us. But then it’s also a responsibility for creatives to speak about,” she said.
After a series of disputes, Ebi Bright lost her race to be Member of Parliament for Tema Central.
Despite her loss, she remains confident and resilient in her efforts to be a voice for her constituency and the creative arts industry.
ID/AE
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