Ghanaian actor turned politician, John Dumelo has refuted claims he took part in a community cleaning exercise at Abelenkpe last weekend to garner votes.

According to him, he could not turn down the invitation after he was called upon by members of the community.

Some social media users accused the actor of engaging in populist moves as a way to help gain momentum for his parliamentary ambition.

But, the 'Baby Thief' star actor in an interview on StarrFM on Thursday August 15, 2019 said he had always honoured invitations to be part of clean up exercises before his political ambitions.

“I was invited to come help clean the gutter, would I say no? When I saw those comments I was shocked. I did cleaning in other places in the past, like Ho, Axim and Tamale, was I looking for votes there too?” questioned the actor.

“I’ve always had the desire to serve people and my nation and that is why I’m trying to get into Parliament. I know Ayawaso West is difficult seat to get but I’ll still try my best. I run a clean campaign at all times. I don’t go around saying negative things about my opponents.”

Dumelo is contesting he Ayawaso West-Wuogon primaries of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The NDC Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary primaries will see actor John Dumelo compete with Suzzy Afua Adoboe for the candidature on Saturday, August 24, when the NDC holds its parliamentary primaries.