- Ebi Bright wins Tema Central parliamentary seat
- She faced ridicule for her "Cantata" background in politics
- Ebi's victory marks her third attempt at becoming an MP
Ghanaian actress and newly-elected Member of Parliament for Tema Central, Ebi Bright, has opened up about the challenges she faced while transitioning into politics, revealing that her political ambitions were met with ridicule and dismissal in the early stages.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Ebi, who is also a career diplomat, shared that she faced numerous rejections when campaigning, with some people telling her that politics was not suited for someone from her background.
“I was told point blank that politics is not for ‘cantata’ people like me. I remember one man saying, ‘Does this girl think politics is the Cantata she acts?’ This is how people are marginalised, and I know my win will encourage many creatives,” she said.
Despite the setbacks, Ebi expressed her commitment to transcend political partisanship and focus on serving the interests of the people of Tema Central. “I intend to move beyond partisanship and have a good strategy that serves the interest of the people of Tema Central,” she added.
Ebi’s victory marks a significant milestone in her political journey, having won the Tema Central seat on her third attempt with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after two unsuccessful runs in 2016 and 2012. Reflecting on her earlier attempts, she shared that her first bid in 2012 sparked a passion for politics among her colleagues.
“I’m glad I ignited the passion of my colleagues to take a look at politics when I made my first attempt to get to Parliament in 2012, which was not on the ticket of NDC then,” she noted.
As a Development Communicator and Career Diplomat, Ebi Bright was particularly proud of her victory in Tema Central, a seat that was considered a stronghold for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“I don’t see any barriers in the pursuit of my interests. That is why I have broken all the odds against me in this election. Tema Central was considered a very safe seat for the NPP, but here we are today. I’m elated to be part of our next Parliament,” she said, celebrating her hard-earned success.
