Ablah Dzifa Gomashie: Actress, politician, and advocate for arts and culture

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Ablah Dzifa Gomashie is a renowned Ghanaian actress, scriptwriter, producer, and politician, whose career spans decades in both the entertainment and political arenas. Her journey in the arts began in 1985 when she joined the Talents Theatre Company.

This marked the beginning of an illustrious acting career that would see her take part in a variety of stage plays and films, establishing her as one of the most recognized figures in Ghana’s entertainment industry.

Gomashie quickly made her mark on stage, appearing in several notable plays including Black Star, Mambo, Chaka the Zulu, Jogolo, and The Third Woman.

These productions showcased her versatility as an actress, drawing attention to her powerful performances. In addition to her stage work, she featured in several films such as Ghost Tears, House of Pain, and Heart of Gold. She also participated in a number of National Arts (NAFTI) student productions, further solidifying her reputation in the film industry.

Not just an actress, she s also a talented scriptwriter. She wrote and produced By The Fire Side, a popular GTV program aimed at promoting reading among children through storytelling.

The program, which encouraged young viewers to develop their reading skills, was a significant contribution to Ghana's educational media landscape, although it is currently on hold due to a lack of sponsorship. Beyond her work in the arts, she also ventured into the restaurant business, where she owned Mama’s Kitchen in Ashale Botwe.

While the restaurant is no longer in operation, it reflected her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating spaces that foster community engagement.

In addition to her accomplishments in the entertainment industry, Gomashie is a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics. In 2013, she was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama as the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture.

During her tenure, she worked to promote the country’s cultural heritage and tourism sector until 2017, when her party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), lost the elections, and power was handed over to the incoming government.

However, Gomashie’s political journey did not end there. On August 24, 2019, she contested the Ketu South parliamentary seat in the 2020 elections, representing the NDC.

She emerged victorious, securing 586 votes, defeating her competitors. As a Member of Parliament, she is an active member of both the Poverty Reduction Strategy Committee and the Trade, Industry, and Tourism Committee, where she continues to advocate for the advancement of the country’s socio-economic development.

Her significant contributions to the entertainment industry were honored by the organizers of the 3Music Awards, who recognized her for her achievements in promoting Ghana's arts and culture. This accolade is a testament to her enduring impact on the industry, as well as her dedication to shaping the cultural landscape of the country.

Throughout her diverse career, she has proven to be a trailblazer in both the arts and politics, embodying a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and social responsibility.

Whether on stage, in the film industry, or in the halls of parliament, she remains a powerful figure who continues to inspire and shape the future of Ghana’s cultural and political spheres.

Explore the life of Dzifa Gomashie below.

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