Ghanaian musician and medical doctor, Knii Lante, has strongly criticized Tolon MP, Habib Iddrisu, for what he describes as a dismissive and disrespectful comment about the creative industry.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, Knii Lante did not hold back in condemning the notion that the arts hold little weight in national development.
“The doctors and lawyers rule the country year in and year out. Look at the nonsense we are inside. Look at where they brought us to. How dare they?
“Do they think that people are stupid?” he fumed, expressing frustration over how governance in Ghana has been dominated by professionals from traditional fields, yet the country continues to face serious challenges.
His outburst follows remarks made by Habib Iddrisu during the vetting of actor and politician John Dumelo, who has been nominated as Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture.
READ ALSO: Dumelo’s Appointment to Agric Ministry Is No Mistake – Ras Kuuku
On February 25, 2025, during the parliamentary session, Iddrisu advised Dumelo to “take his new role seriously,” stating, “When you go to the ministry, you are no longer in the movie industry. Try to be as serious as you can to support your minister in succeeding.”
The statement sparked an uproar, with many in the creative space viewing it as an attack on the credibility of the arts. Knii Lante, in defense of the industry, emphasized that creative work is far more than just entertainment.
“Music is not only for entertainment. Movies are not only for entertainment. Some are for educative purposes, some are to garner community around a certain drive, and some are for health purposes,” he explained.
He also took issue with the condescending tone of those who trivialize the arts in politics, particularly referencing an earlier sentiment that questioned whether Parliament was a place for “concert party.”
“Somebody came up with a statement that ‘Do you think that Parliament is for concert party?’” he noted, highlighting the long-standing bias against creatives who enter leadership roles.
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