In the vibrant world of Ghanaian cinema, John Dumelo stands as a remarkable figure. With a career spanning over three decades, he transitioned from being a child star in ‘Baby Thief’ at the tender age of seven in 1991 to becoming a celebrated actor, featuring in over 100 movies. While Ghana’s movie industry has faced challenges in recent years, Dumelo’s influence remains robust, particularly among the country’s youth, as evidenced by his engaging presence on social media, where he connects with over 8 million followers.
However, what sets Dumelo apart is his remarkable shift from the silver screen to the fertile fields of agriculture. He has now become a role model and a source of inspiration for young Ghanaians seeking opportunities in farming. His motivation is clear, as he boldly states,
“By getting into farming, I want to motivate a lot of youth to go into agriculture because I am certain that agriculture will make Ghana great.”
Dumelo’s journey into agriculture commenced in 2012, and a decade later, he boasts ownership of more than 2000 acres of farmland scattered across Ghana. On these lands, he cultivates a diverse range of crops, including maize, rice, ginger, mushrooms, cabbage, and even rears snails and livestock. His commitment to agriculture was born out of a stark realization during his extensive travels across the country between 2012 and 2014. He observed millions of arable acres lying fallow, while Ghana continued to import food. This incongruity compelled him to take action, and he has not looked back since.
Dumelo’s vision goes beyond his own farming endeavors. He aspires to leverage his influence to encourage countless young people to embrace agriculture, envisioning a revitalized sector that can significantly reduce Ghana’s dependence on food imports. He recognizes the potential for growth in industries such as rice processing, despite the substantial initial investment required. According to him, “I am pushing the ‘eating made-in-Ghana’ campaign so that we stop importing poultry, for instance, from other countries… It is expensive to set up food processing units, but it is necessary for Ghana’s agriculture.”
In line with his commitment to agricultural transformation, Dumelo is actively involved in establishing a ginger processing factory in the Guan district of the Oti region, with ambitious plans to set up a rice mill within the next five years.
John Dumelo’s journey from the glitz and glamour of the film industry to the rugged beauty of farmlands exemplifies a profound commitment to change. He is not just a successful actor; he is a beacon of hope for Ghana’s youth, demonstrating that the future of the nation lies in the bountiful fields of agriculture. Dumelo’s story serves as an inspiring narrative of reinvention and dedication to a greater cause, making him a true role model for the youth of Ghana.