We believe you really understand what it entails to be called a celebrity. Celebrities are generally known for so many things which include but not limited to pride, arrogance, extravagance, affluence, flamboyance, to mention but a few. Just like in most African countries, we have rich Ghanaian celebrities who have been outstanding within and beyond the shores of the country. These celebs, in particular, are known for their exceptional personalities. We have picked out a few from the bunch who have been identified to lead a simple lifestyle despite their status in the society.
Rich Ghanaian Celebrities who are still humble
1. John Dumelo
John Dumelo is a popular Ghanaian actor who has been around in the movie industry since 1991. A former child actor, he first made an appearance in the movie “Baby Thief”. Dumelo was born on February 3, 1984, in Ghana. He had his primary school education at Christ the King School Accra and later Achimota School, where he had his secondary school education. He went on to further his education at the Kwame Nkrumah Unversity of Science and Technology, where he majored in Civil Engineering.
The actor’s acting career has taken him to many places, including Nigeria, where he has played out fictional characters in a good number of Nollywood movies. Dumelo has three prestigious awards to his name and has also been nominated for several awards, the Most Promising Actor and Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the 6th and 7th Africa Movie Academy Awards respectively.
Besides acting, John is also an entrepreneur. In early 2012, he launched his clothing line called J. Melo Line, which deals on clothing accessories, bags, hoodies, jewelry and other fashion items. The actor, who was born to Antionette Dumelo and John Dumelo (Snr.) is married to Gifty Mawunya Nkornu. The pair dated for two years and eventually took their relationship to another level in May 2018 when they had their traditional marriage.
2. Majid Michel
Majid Michel is one of Africa’s popular faces on the screen. He is known in many households for his impressive acting skills and ability to deliver on set. The actor was born to a Lebanese father and Ghanaian mother on September 22, 1980, in Cantonments, Accra. He was raised along with his nine siblings.
The talented Ghanaian actor attended St. Theresa’s Primary School, and later, the Mfantsipim School for his secondary school education. He started out as a model for Super Model Agency and later made his first television series appearance in “Things We Do For Love”. His first movie was “Divine Love” while his first Nollywood film was “Emerald”, which was released in 2009.
Michel is a husband and a father as well. His wife is Virna Michael, with whom he had three children. Majid is a born-again Christian and also has many awards to his name.
3. Jackie Appiah
Undoubtedly everyone’s favorite, Jackie Appiah is a screen diva. She was born Jackie Agyemang Appiah on December 5, 1983, in Canada. The beautiful actress spent her early years in Canada until the age of 10, when she moved from Canada to Ghana with her mother.
The last of five children, Jackie is a mother of a son whom she had with her husband. The couple got married in 2005. The actress started out with “Things We Do For Love” and has appeared in several Ghallywood and Nollywood films. She has received several awards and nominations for her roles in the movie industry.
4. Sarkodie
Born Michael Owusu Addo, Sardokie is a popular Ghanaian hip-hop artist. He was born in Tema, on July 10, 1984. He was the fourth of his mother’s five children. Sardokie started rapping at a very young age. He is famous for rapping in Twi, which is his native language. Addo made history at the 2012 BET Awards when he became the first Ghanaian artist to win the Best International Act: Africa accolade.
The highlife singer is not married yet but he has several songs and albums to his name, having released his debut album “Makye” in 2009.
5. Nadia Buari
Nadia Buari was born in Sekondi-Takoradi, on November 21, 1982. She has been active in the movie industry since 2005. She was born to a Ghanaian mother and Lebanese father. She holds a BFA degree from the University of Ghana. She first appeared in the television series ‘Games People Play’ in late 2005.
The actress is a mother of twins. She previously dated Nigerian star actor, Jim Iyke, who proposed to her on March 21, 2014. However, Iyke is not the father of Buari’s twins.
See also: 7 Ghanaian Celebrities who Married their Friends
6. Nana Amah Mcbrown
If you are conversant with Ghanaian movie stars, you’ll agree that Nana Amah Mcbrown is a household name. She has been in the movie industry since 1998 and has several films to her name. She was born Felicity Ama Agyemang on August 15, 1977, in Kumasi, Ghana.
The actress was raised in Kwadaso, Kumasi, by her aunt Madam Betty Obiri Yeboah and adopted father Kofi McBrown, following her parents’ separation.
Her parents – Cecilia Agyenim Boateng (mother) and Kwabena Nkrumah (father) also had six other children, who were adopted together with Amah by their aunt. The actress studied at St. Peter’s International Residential School and some other schools within her locality but she ended up as a drop out as she couldn’t sit for the Basic Education Certificate Exams.
The Ghanaian is married to her longtime sweetheart, Maxwell Mawu Mensah. The pair tied the knot in 2016.
7. Joselyn Dumas
Dumas is best known for her roles in the showbiz circle. In addition to acting, she also works as a television personality which has made her popular in the industry. A one-time winner of the Ghana Movie Award, she was born Joselyn Canfor-Dumas on August 31, 1980. She is the founder of The Joselyn Canfor-Dumas Foundation and currently the Brand ambassador of Range Rover Evoque Ghana.
Joselyn had her primary school education at Morning Star School, from where she moved to Archbishop Porter Girls High School for her secondary school education. She holds a degree in Administrative Law from a university in the United States.
8. Yvonne Okoro
Yvonne Okoro is a household name both in Nollywood and Ghallywood. She was born to a Ghanaian mum and a Nigerian dad on November 25, 1984. She made her debut in the film “Sticking to the Promise”, which was produced in 2002. Born Chinyere Yvonne Okoro, she is the fifth of all her parents’ children.
Okoro is a recipient of four Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award and has been nominated severally for African awards.
9. Michael Essien
Born Michael Kojo Essien, Michael is a Ghanaian professional footballer. One of Ghana’s finest midfielder, he was born on December 3, 1982, in Accra. His parents are James Essien and Aba Gyandoh. The Ghanaian footballer attended Gomoa Nyanyano DC Primary and later St. Augustine’s College in Cape Coast, where he played at a local club called Liberty Professionals.
The highlight of Essien’s football career was his stint at Chelsea football club, where he made his debut as a second-half substitute in a game against Arsenal on August 21, 2005.
10. Van Vicker
Van Vicker is a popular Ghanaian actor who has established himself as one of Africa’s most talented movie star. He was born Joseph van Vicker on August 1, 1977. He lost his father, who was a Dutch, at the age of six and was raised by his Ghanaian/Liberian mother.
The actor started out as a presenter at Groove 106.3 FM before making his debut in the film Divine Love as a supporting character. He is married to Adjoa Vicker, with whom he had two daughters and a son. Van Vicker has won several awards and has been nominated for several awards, including the “Best Upcoming Actor” at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008.
