John Dumelo

John Dumelo is the richest Ghanaian actor, with an estimated net worth of $3 million (estimated).

John Dumelo has lived two public lives: first as one of Ghana's most bankable film stars, and then as a member of parliament and government minister. Few Ghanaian celebrities have made the leap from screen to statehouse as completely as he has.

Early life and education

He was born John Matthew Kofi Setor Dumelo on 3 February 1984 in Accra, to a civil engineer father and a customs officer mother. He attended Achimota School, where he joined the drama club, and studied civil engineering at KNUST, where he was crowned Mr University.

Acting career

His screen career began remarkably early, with a role in Baby Thief at the age of seven. He went on to appear in more than 80 films across Ghana and Nigeria, becoming one of the most recognisable leading men of Ghallywood through the 2000s and 2010s, and a heartthrob with a huge following.

Farming and business

Away from film, Dumelo built a serious agricultural business, investing in crop and animal farming and championing agriculture to his large online audience, a passion that would later shape his politics.

Political career

He contested the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat for the NDC and lost narrowly in 2020, but returned to win it in the 2024 election. Following the NDC's victory, President Mahama appointed him Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, and he was sworn in during March 2025, completing his transformation from actor to policymaker.

Personal life

He married Gifty Mawunya Nkornu in 2018, and the couple have children. John Dumelo remains one of the most prominent examples in Ghana of a celebrity who turned fame into public service.