Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has stated that her comments on John Dumelo's stance in politics are being twisted on purpose by her political opponents.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration released an official press statement in reaction to the fierce criticism she received over her comments against aspiring MP, John Dumelo.

She had earlier said that Ghana's parliament is serious business and not for actors at a rally addressing party supporters at the Ayawaso West Wougon Constituency.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey further homed in her point by saying that Ghana needs serious-minded people who can assist the president to develop the nation, urging electors to vote for Madam Lydia Alhassan.

“Parliament is a very serious business. It is not a place for actors or filmmakers who think they are popular. Don’t give them such chance, it is a serious place."

"The laws of our country are enacted in the parliament of Ghana and the President of Ghana will need visionary leaders who will bring development to the people."

If you vote for the NPP, there will be a major development for the people of Ayawaso but if you fail to do so then you will always sit at the movie theatre, watching movies” she said.

These comments elicited a massive outburst as every individual, bar Mark Okraku Mantey, took the words as an assist against the entire entertainment industry.

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Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, Counsellor Lutterodt, Zapp Mallet, and many more stakeholders all spoke out against her ill-timed and inappropriate comment. 

Even Van Vicker, the otherwise quiet actor, remarked that the comments were unfortunate, especially coming from the Minister.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has now said that her words were not meant as an attack to a particular individual or the entire Fil Making and Creative Arts Industry.

She said that the words

“were made in particular reference to Lydia Alhassan’s opponent (in the person of John Dumelo) where she implied that ‘popularity alone does not make one the obvious choice for Parliament”.

“Any desperate attempts by Political opportunists to twist and portray this as a swipe at an entire industry should be treated with the contempt it deserves,” she said.

Read the Full statement below.