Kwaku Manu Emphasizes Spirituality as Key to Success in the Entertainment Industry

Financial Realities in Ghanaian Entertainment: Sumsum Ahoufe Questions Actor Wealth as Ofori Amponsah Regrets Luxury Spending

Recent revelations from prominent figures in the Ghanaian entertainment industry have sparked a public conversation regarding the financial sustainability of the creative arts and the management of personal wealth. Highlife legend Ofori Amponsah and Kumawood actor Sumsum Ahoufe have both offered candid perspectives on the economic realities of stardom, highlighting the contrast between the industry’s perceived glamour and the practical challenges of wealth accumulation and preservation within the local market. Kumawood actor Sumsum Ahoufe has raised eyebrows by publicly questioning the source of fellow actor Yaw Dabo’s wealth. In a series of claims, Ahoufe alleged that acting alone in the Ghanaian film industry—specifically within the Kumawood circuit—is insufficient to generate the level of riches some stars display. He argued that while several actors have indeed achieved significant financial success, such prosperity is almost always the result of diversifying into external business ventures rather than relying solely on performance fees. Ahoufe’s comments underscore a growing sentiment that the local acting industry, despite its popularity, lacks the structural remuneration required to make performers wealthy without supplementary income streams. Parallel to these claims, veteran Highlife musician Ofori Amponsah shared a cautionary tale of financial management during a recent interview on Hitz FM. Reflecting on the height of his career, Amponsah revealed that he once owned a fleet of seven luxury vehicles, including high-performance models such as the Audi S5 and the BMW 8 Series. Looking back, the 'Otoolege' hitmaker expressed deep regret over his past spending habits, describing the acquisition of multiple luxury cars as a waste of resources. He noted that the substantial capital sunk into these depreciating assets could have been better utilized if invested in more stable, long-term ventures. These individual accounts point to a broader theme currently facing Ghana’s entertainment sector: the necessity of financial literacy and income diversification. Whether through Sumsum Ahoufe’s skepticism regarding industry paychecks or Ofori Amponsah’s remorse over youthful extravagance, the narrative remains the same. For Ghanaian entertainers to maintain their lifestyles and ensure long-term security, the consensus suggests they must look beyond the stage and screen, prioritizing strategic investments over the fleeting allure of luxury goods.