Movies gave me stardom, not money – Yaw Dabo

Kumawood actor Yaw Dabo has opened up about the financial reality of Ghana's film industry, revealing that while movies built his name and public profile, he did not make as much money as expected.

Speaking to presenter Nana Romeo on UTV's Atuu, the popular comic actor noted that acting mainly gave him visibility; the majority of his income was rather from advertising and other gigs.

"Movies brought money, but not a lot. What it does is it gives you popularity and stardom. You can get advertising gigs and other deals. One advertising gig can pay more than a movie gig," he said.

Despite the modest direct earnings from film, Dabo said he has no complaints because the doors it opened have more than made up for what the screen itself could not pay.

"It has blessed me a lot. Through acting, I have gotten the chance to build a life for myself and my family. I got a place for my mother as well," he said.

His post comes amid discussions about the incomes of creatives, especially actors, and how veteran actors survive upon retirement.

Watch the video below:

Acting alone didn’t really bring in money, but it gave us a platform to earn from other sources. - Yaw Dabo#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/L0OZEhcpW3

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) May 30, 2026