I’ll inspire young people to follow their passion — John Dumelo

The Deputy Minister designate of Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has expressed hope that his appointment will inspire young people to follow their dreams and passion in the agricultural sector to earn a dignified living and also create job opportunities.

He pledged to help address challenges facing young farmers to access credit, secure land, irrigation facilities, farm machinery and cheaper inputs.

At his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Mr Dumelo also said that the government would build the capacity of farmers and provide them with the necessary incentives such as day-old chicks, cages, mechanised irrigation and farming inputs to enable them to grow their businesses.

The nominee also answered questions on his religious beliefs, career, business, the NDC policy on food and agriculture, the 24-hour Economy policy, unemployment, the decision of the government to terminate job appointments and women's banking, among others. 

Inspiration

Mr Dumelo, who is also the MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, and an actor, said when given the nod, he would represent the interests of young farmers across the country, including those in his hometown in the Oti Region.

“I am a man of probably many talents; in the movie industry, I think I did quite well, and in the business industry, I think I am doing quite well, and in politics, I am yet to do well.

“When some people look at me, they might be inspired to follow their dreams and passion to make the country a better place,” he said.

Advice

With access to credit being a major hurdle, Mr Dumelo advised those with farming aspirations to start their dreams on a small scale and grow with time.

“If your dream is to have 1,000 cattle, you can start with one or two cattle and if your dream is to have 2,000 goats, just start with two, and if your dream is to add value to whatever it is that you are producing, just start with something small.

“I do tell the youth to start small because most of the time when you start big and you do not have the experience, you are likely to crash,” he said.