From L to R: Dzifa Gomashie, John Dumelo, Abeiku Santana, James Gardiner, and KOD
After assuming office on January 7, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has made key appointments in the creative arts industry as part of his quest to reset the country.
So far, President Mahama has appointed five renowned entertainment personalities from both the movie and music space to serve during in administration.
Here are the five personalities and the positions they occupy:
John Setor Dumelo
John Dumelo, a Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, was appointed on February 5, 2025, as the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture.
He is an actor and also a farmer by profession.
John Dumelo holds three master’s degrees. He obtained his second master’s from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2022.
In 2024, the Member of Parliament earned his third master’s degree in Law (Natural Resources) from the University of Ghana Law School.
He earned his degree in Civil Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He will work alongside the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku.
Abla Dzifa Gomashie
Member of Parliament for Ketu South Constituency, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, was appointed on January 16, 2025, as the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts.
The actress-turned-politician, prior to this recent appointment, served as a Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts under Mahama’s administration from 2013 to 2017.
Dzifa Gomashie is a creative arts expert with over four decades of experience in the movie industry.
She holds an MPhil in African Studies from the Institute of African Studies, a diploma in Theatre Arts, and a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Management from the University of Ghana.
Abeiku Santana
Media personality and tourism advocate, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, popularly known in the showbiz space as ‘Abeiku Santana’, will serve in the role of Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
Abeiku Santana’s appointment was announced by the presidency on February 26, 2025.
He holds a master’s degree from the University of Ghana Business School and has extensive experience in media, marketing, and tourism advocacy.
He has been a vocal promoter of Ghana’s tourism sector, using his media platforms to highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage, festivals, and hospitality industry.
Abeiku Santana is also a certified tourism consultant and has been instrumental in driving major tourism campaigns such as the “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return,” which have elevated Ghana’s profile on the international stage.
Kofi Okyere-Darko
Kofi Okyere-Darko, also known as KOD, is a renowned Ghanaian fashion icon and media personality who has been in the creative industry for over a decade.
He was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama as the Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President on February 26, 2025.
He has worked with prominent media outlets such as Live FM, ETV Ghana, and GhOne.
His influence in the fashion industry has earned him both local and international recognition.
KOD is also a successful entrepreneur and founder of ‘Rhythms on Da Runway,’ an annual fashion show that celebrates African creativity and showcases the continent’s vibrant fashion industry.
Rex Owusu Marfo, popularly known as Rex Omar, is a highlife veteran and one of the key stakeholders in the entertainment industry.
He has been appointed to the role of Presidential Staffer to coordinate the ‘Black Star Experience’.
He was appointed on February 27, 2025.
James Gardiner
Ghanaian actor James Gardiner has been appointed as the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority (NFA).
James Gardiner, who began his acting career in the early 2000s, has starred in both local and international films.
With over a decade in the industry, James Gardiner has undoubtedly paid his dues in the showbiz world.
Meanwhile, watch how D-Black reacted to Tolon MP’s demeaning ‘movie industry’ remark
JHM/EB
