Ghanaian veteran actress, Dr. Akosua Abdallah, has highlighted the reasons behind the financial struggles many actors face after retirement.
Dr. Abdallah pointed out that inadequate income during their acting careers is a major factor contributing to the financial difficulties of many veteran actors in their retirement years.
She contrasted this with today’s actors, especially those involved in collaborations with Nollywood, who receive better pay and can therefore plan for their futures more effectively.
“We need to look at investment. It’s important to invest for post-retirement and I think as artists, probably because we were not paid enough, some didn’t. But the young actors and actresses now, with the collaboration with Nollywood, etc. I think they’re being paid to invest for their post-retirement.
“But during our time, you could do a production and probably end up with just GHC1000, and that is just transport. It doesn’t even take care or cater for your costume that you use.”
Dr. Akosua Abdallah
Dr. Abdallah expressed optimism that the current generation of actors will not face the same hardships if they prioritize financial investment.
She encouraged them to take their earnings seriously and plan for post-retirement stability.
She also acknowledged the strides made by today’s actors and actresses, suggesting that they are better positioned to avoid situations where they have to seek financial support during illness or other hardships.
“I think they have come a very long way. And with a new generation, I don’t envisage this kind of problem for them, soliciting support when they’re sick, etc. But there’s the need to probably have some kind of investment, something for artists across Africa.”
Dr. Akosua Abdallah
Reflecting on the government’s support for actors and creatives, Dr. Abdallah noted its importance but also emphasized the need for personal initiative in financial planning.
She stressed that while the government’s support is beneficial, creatives should also take responsibility for investing their earnings wisely.
Actress Urges Creatives to Take Active Roles in Politics
Dr. Akosua Abdallah voiced her support for individuals from the creative sector to take up an active role in politics.
According to her, creatives going into politics would help shine a light on the issues affecting the creative arts sector.
She cited some creatives who stepped into the political arena including Mark Okraku, Dzifa Gomashie, and Joh Dumelo.
“Maybe if we have a few of the creatives in there, they’ll probably become the mouthpiece of the oppressed and talk about issues and see if they can help artists, especially the aged artists. And so I think it’s a good thing that they put themselves in there where they can be heard.”
Dr. Akosua Abdallah
However, the actress disclosed her disapproval of the trend among young Ghanaian actors who quickly label themselves as celebrities after appearing in just one or two movies.
The renowned actress, known for her role in the beloved “Inspector Bediako” series, expressed her views on the evolving perception of fame in the industry, adding that at their time, there was nothing like being a celebrity.
Akosua Abdallah also raised concerns about the modern fashion choices of celebrities, particularly their tendency to reveal parts of their bodies that should be concealed, per the Ghanaian culture.
Dr. Akosua Abdallah’s illustrious 40-year career began with coordinating drama in Senior High Schools in Tamale before moving to GBC as an assistant director for arts and religious TV programs.
She later joined Abibigromma as an actress and eventually rose to Deputy Executive Director of the National Theatre.
In 2017, Dr. Abdallah transitioned to the National Commission on Culture, focusing on youth cultural development through partnerships, staff development, and festival participation, enhancing skills across the cultural spectrum.
She also served on the Governing Council of AUCC and the International Theatre Institute.
READ ALSO: CalBank Strengthens Financial Position with Successful Rights Issue on GSE
