‘Money no dey inside like that’ — John Dumelo on life in Parliament
John Dumelo says being an MP is not financially lucrative, dismissing the perception that parliamentarians automatically make money from holding office.
The Ayawaso West Wuogon MP said people have different reasons for seeking political office, but acknowledged that MPs can use their positions to leverage certain opportunities.
Dumelo, a former actor who transitioned into politics, made the comments while responding to a question on X about the financial benefits of serving as an MP.
The actor-turned-politician made the clarification while responding to a question on X about the perks enjoyed by parliamentarians.
According to Dumelo, people enter Parliament for different reasons, but he dismissed the perception that MPs automatically make financial gains from holding office.
He said;
People have different reasons for wanting to go to Parliament... but money no dey inside like that. You can, however, use your position as an MP as leverage for certain things,
Dumelo explained that although he does not consider the position financially lucrative in itself, an MP's office can provide opportunities to leverage their position for certain benefits.
His comments come amid long-running public discussions about the privileges, allowances and other benefits associated with parliamentary office in Ghana.
Before entering politics, Dumelo built a successful career as an actor and became one of Ghana's recognisable faces in the film industry. He later turned his attention to politics and won the Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary seat.
Since entering Parliament, Dumelo has remained active on social media, where he regularly engages with constituents and comments on issues of public interest.
His latest remarks offer his perspective on the financial realities of parliamentary service while highlighting the different motivations that drive people to seek political office.:::
People have different reasons for wanting to go to parliament…..but money no dey inside like that. You can however use your position as Mp as leverage for certain things. https://t.co/rFsinqpDnu
— Farmer John,MP (@johndumelo) August 20, 2026