What some popular actors studied before venturing into movies

Before becoming household names on the big and small screens, several Ghanaian actors and actresses pursued tertiary education and trained for careers in fields ranging from law and engineering to banking and psychology, among others. Beyond the glamour of the entertainment industry, many of these stars invested in their education and initially pursued careers in entirely different fields. Their academic backgrounds did not only shape their professional journeys but also demonstrate that success in acting can be built on a foundation of diverse skills, knowledge, and experiences. That said, here’s a look at what some popular Ghanaian celebrities studied before venturing into acting full-time. John Dumelo: KNUST — Civil Engineering Although he started acting as a child and is listed as active from 1991, he still attended university before going full-time into acting. He later ventured into politics, where he was elected Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuguon in 2024 and appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture in 2025. Nadia Buari University of Ghana — BFA/Performing Arts Nadia Buari completed her university education before making her television debut in Games People Play in 2005. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Performing Arts from the University of Ghana. She later became one of Ghana's most popular actresses. Prince David Osei University of Ghana — English, Sociology & Theatre Arts After graduating, Prince David Osei worked in a bank before leaving the job to pursue acting full-time. He entered the Ghana film industry in 2005. Joselyn Dumas University in the US — Administrative Law She worked as a paralegal after her studies before returning to Ghana and pursuing television and acting. Her mainstream acting breakthrough came after her television career. Kafui Danku University of Cape Coast — BA English & Classics She began her professional career at the United Nations before entering the Ghanaian film industry in 2009. She was appointed the Executive Secretary of the National Film Authority in 2025 Adjetey Anang University of Ghana — Fine Arts; Wits University — MA Dramatic Arts He studied Fine Arts at the University of Ghana prior to starting his acting career. He later earned a master's in Dramatic Arts. Chris Attoh KNUST — BA Painting; Banking & Securities studies in London He is a KNUST graduate who later studied Banking and Securities in London before becoming one of Ghana's prominent screen actors. Ama Ampofo University of Ghana — History & Theatre Arts She completed her university education before making her major acting debut in Shirley Frimpong-Manso's Devil in the Detail in 2014. She had previously appeared in commercials and music videos. Beverly Afaglo Ghana Institute of Journalism - Journalism and Public Relations She trained as a beauty therapist before venturing into acting. She later ventured into entrepreneurship and launched her business while acting. She died in 2026. Fiifi Coleman Teachers' Training College; later School of Performing Arts After graduating from Teachers' Training College, he was encouraged to pursue the School of Performing Arts because of his acting talent. He subsequently built his career as an actor, director and producer. Peace Hyde Middlesex University — First Class in Psychology After graduating, she became a teacher and spent about six years in education before relocating to Ghana and pursuing entertainment. Her professional acting career followed. Yvonne Nelson Although Nelson started acting at a young age. She is reported to have attended Zenith University College and Central University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. ID/AMSource: www.ghanaweb.com
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