Deputy Minister-designate for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has acknowledged that while the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is committed to addressing Ghana’s economic and social challenges, it cannot solve all of them.
Speaking during his vetting, Mr Dumelo emphasized the party’s readiness to reset the country’s direction, particularly in tackling unemployment.
“The unemployment issue is a national problem, and we in the NDC about to reset the country, We will make sure that we create a lot of employment opportunities. Especiallly in the agric space. And so it’s a national problem and we are here to fix it. We will not be able to fix all, but we will fix some,” the deputy Minister-designate indicated.
He also reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s commitment to empowering women in business by introducing a specialized financial institution aimed at easing access to credit.
“In the area of business, what we have realized is that women are always a formidable force. They are almost always the ones who can do biuisness and do it and do it well. But unfortunately, access to credits or funding is always a problem for them and that is why the NDC has agreed to establish the women banking, to be able to lend money to women at a relatively lower rate, so they can expand their businesses to create more businesses and create more jobs for the economy ” he told the Appointments Committee of Parliament during his vetting yesterday.
His remarks align with the NDC’s broader agenda to revamp key economic sectors, particularly agriculture, as a major driver of job creation. Dumelo, a strong advocate for agribusiness, believes that increased investments in mechanized farming, agro-processing, and value chain development will significantly reduce youth unemployment.
Dumelo, an actor-turned-politician and a farmer by profession, is serving his first term in Parliament on the ticket of the NDC.
His appointment as Deputy Minister-designate was announced on February 5, 2025, in a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Beyond politics, Dumelo has an extensive academic background. He holds three master’s degrees, earning his second from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2022.
In 2024, he completed his third master’s in Law (Natural Resources) at the University of Ghana Law School.
His academic journey began with a degree in Civil Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
His advocacy for women entrepreneurs and agribusiness development underscores his vision for economic transformation, positioning financial inclusion and job creation as key priorities in his political career.
The actor-turned-politician further noted that while no government can completely eradicate unemployment, the NDC’s approach would provide tangible solutions that empower young people and boost the economy.
His remarks have sparked discussions on the feasibility of the NDC’s employment strategy and the extent to which it can address Ghana’s rising job crisis.
NDC can fix part of Ghana’s problems, not all – Dumelo
Deputy Food and Agriculture Minister-designate, John Dumelo
Responding to his view on unemployment issues in Ghana during his vetting
“I think the unemployment issue is a national problem, and we in the NDC about to reset the country, We will make sure that we create a lot of employment opportunities. Especiallly in the agric space. And so it’s a national problem and we are her to fix it. WE will not be able to fix all, but we will fix some,”