Ghana boasts a rich entertainment industry filled with talented celebrities who have significantly contributed to music, acting, sports, and more. Many of these stars have impressive educational backgrounds that have helped shape their careers while interestingly, for some, their education is unrelated to their career in the entertainment industry. This article highlights twenty well-known Ghanaian celebrities, detailing the secondary schools and universities they attended and their achievements.
The journeys of these celebrities reflect the diverse paths to success in Ghana’s entertainment industry. Their educational backgrounds range from secondary schools known for academic excellence to universities where they pursued various degrees. Whether through formal education or self-taught skills, these stars continue to inspire the next generation of Ghanaians.
1. John Dumelo
John Dumelo is famous in Ghana for acting and political activism. He is one of the most influential and outstanding celebrities of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and served as their Director of Operations. He has acted in many popular movies including Double Cross (2014) and The Agency (2022).
He completed his basic education at Christ the King School in Accra before proceeding to Achimota Senior High School for his secondary education. He then pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Later he attended the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) for a Master’s in Public Administration
2. Jackie Appiah
Jackie Appiah is famous for acting, particularly in Ghanaian films and television dramas. She has won several awards for starring in movies including The Perfect Picture, Beyonce: The President’s Daughter, The Perfect Picture, and Groom’s Bride.
Jackie Appiah received her early education at Derrydown Public School in Toronto, Ontario, before moving to Ghana to continue her education at Faith Montessori in Accra. She then moved to Achimota Preparatory School and later attended Harvard Senior High School in Accra. She then attended the University of Ghana in Accra and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts.
3. Sarkodie
As popularly known, Sarkodie is Michael Owusu Addo, famous for Hiplife and hip-hop music, and is one of Ghana’s most successful rappers. He has become a household name in Ghana and the global music industry. He has several awards under his belt for many songs including ‘One Time For Your Mind’, ‘You Go Kill Me’ and ‘Good Bye’
He attended Tema Methodist Day Senior High School and proceeded to IPMC College of Technology, where he earned a degree in graphic design. He is a self-taught musician and did not attend university.
4. Yvonne Nelson
Yvonne Nelson is famous in Ghana for acting and producing movies. She has played a leading role in many popular movies including Any Other Monday, House of Gold, and Princess Tyra
She began her education at St. Martin De Porres School in Accra and later attended Aggrey Memorial Senior High School. For her tertiary studies, she pursued a Human Resource Management degree at Zenith University College and Central University. In 2020, she furthered her education at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), where she earned a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy.
5. Becca
Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong, known as Becca is famous in Ghana for Music, especially in the genres of R&B and Afrobeats. She is also a songwriter and an actress. She first came into the public eye when she contested the second season of TV3’s annual singing competition Mentor. One of her most popular songs is You Lied To Me.
She attended Morning Star School and later Wesley Girls’ High School, where she developed a passion for showcasing her vocal talent at various talent shows. After completing her secondary education, she graduated from Croydon College and pursued a career as a childcare and education worker.
Becca obtained her first degree in Operations and Project Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and a Master’s degree in Brands and Communication with a recorded CGPA of 3.92 from the University of Professional Studies in Accra.
6. Nadia Buari
Nadia Buari is well-known in Ghana for acting and being a television personality. She had her breakthrough when she starred in the film Beyonce: The President’s Daughter. From there, her career took off and she was nominated for best actress for her role in the TV series Games People Play in 2005.
She attended Mfantsiman Girls’ Secondary School in the Central Region before pursuing a degree in Performing Arts at the University of Ghana. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree. During her time at the university, she was actively involved in drama and dance clubs, further honing her artistic talents.
7. Majid Michel
Majid Michel is also famous for acting and being a well-known figure in the Ghanaian film industry. He has been nominated many times and received awards for his leading role in movies such as Divine Love and Things We Do For Love, which turned him into a household name in Ghana.
He began his education at St. Theresa’s Primary School and later attended Mfantsipim School, the same institution that produced notable figures like actor Van Vicker and former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. During his time at Mfantsipim, he was deeply involved in theatre and was an active member of the school’s Drama Club, which helped nurture his passion for acting. Afterward, he enrolled in the Academy of Screen Arts affiliated with Ashesi University to pursue a course in Drama and Film but did not complete a university degree.
8. Stonebwoy
Stonebwoy is famous in Ghana for Reggae and dancehall music, winning numerous awards. His music journey began during his high school years when he started performing underground under the stage name Stoneboy. His first hit single was Climax, since then, he has had many popular songs including Pull Up, Ololo, and Kpo K3k3
Stonebwoy attended Methodist Day Secondary School and graduated with his High School Certificate alongside rapper Sarkodie. In 2013, he furthered his studies at the University of Professional Studies, earning a degree in Marketing. He had to cut his studies short however to pursue his music career. He later enrolled at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) to study public administration.
9. Yvonne Okoro
Chinyere Yvonne Okoro is a well-known Ghanaian Nigerian actress famous for acting and television hosting.
She began her education at Achimota Preparatory School before moving on to Lincoln Community School and Faith Montessori School. For her secondary education, she attended Mfantsiman Girls Secondary School. She later enrolled at the University of Ghana, Legon, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English and Linguistics. She furthered her studies at the Université de Nantes in France, where she pursued courses in Press Civilization, Drama, and Marketing.
10. Efya
Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor well-known as Efya is famous in Ghana for singing, particularly in the genres of R&B and soul. Efya rose to fame after participating in the first edition of Stars of the Future. Some of her most popular songs are Gateway and Best in Me.
Efya obtained her senior high school education from Yaa Asantewaa Secondary School, she then attended the University of Ghana, Legon, and graduated with a degree in theatre and music
11. Kofi Kinaata
Popularly known as Kofi Kinaata, Martin King Arthur is a famous highlife musician and songwriter, recognized for his lyrical storytelling. If you have heard the song Obi Ne Ba, Made in Taadi, or Confession, that is Kofi Kinaata. The latter song kick-started his popularity in Ghana.
He completed his primary education at Nana Brempong Yaw School and continued his secondary education at Takoradi Technical Institute.
12. Lydia Forson
Lydia Forson is a famous Ghanaian actress, writer, and film producer. She has starred in many award-winning movies and shows including The Perfect Picture, Different Shades of Blue, and A Sting in a Tale.
She began her basic education at Wilmore Elementary School in Kentucky. At the age of nine, her family relocated to Ghana, where she continued her studies at Akosombo International School. She later attended St. Louis Secondary School in Kumasi, where she completed her secondary education. Forson then pursued higher education at the University of Ghana, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Information Studies.
13. Wendy Shay
Wendy Asiamah Addo known by her stage name Wendy Shay is famous in Ghana for singing, especially in the Afrobeats genre. Some of her hit songs are Uber Driver and All for You.
She attended Morning Star School and St. Martin de Porres in Accra before relocating to Stuttgart, Germany, where she continued her education starting from grade 7 (JHS 1). While in Germany, she also attended a music school in Bernhausen, further pursuing her passion for music. She studied Nursing in Germany and was trained as a midwife but later relocated to Ghana to pursue music.
14. Hajia4Real (Mona Montrage)
Mona Faiz Montrage better known as Hajia4Real or Mona 4Reall is famous for music and being a social media influencer. Her first single Badder Than has more than 1.3 million views on YouTube. She has about 71k followers on Facebook and almost 40k subscribers on YouTube.
Although she is still famous, she found herself in a bit of trouble as she remains on trial for allegedly defrauding American elder citizens out of about $2m. She was also detained in the United Kingdom on suspicion of fraud involving $8 million.
She had her elementary education in Tamale afterwards Mona4Real relocated to Accra to continue her secondary school education at Labone Senior High School. After completing secondary school, she moved to the United States and enrolled at the Art Institute of New York, where she pursued studies in fashion design. She recently enrolled at Union University College in the US to study English and Public Speaking.
15. KiDi
Kidi born Dennis Nana Dwamena is famous in Ghana for singing, particularly in the Afrobeats genre, and for hits like “Say Cheese.” Kidi rose to fame when he released his hit song Say You Love Me in 2017
He had his basic education at St. Anthony’s School in Accra and proceeded to Accra Academy for his senior high school education. He studied Economics and Information Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon.
16. Joey B
Darryl Paa Kwesi Bannerman-Martin with the stage name Joey B is famous for hiplife and hip-hop music, and known for his unique rapping style. His hit single Tonga brought him to the public eye in Ghana.
Joey B began his education at St. Louis Elementary School and later attended Theresa’s School. He then moved on to Accra High School, where he became more focused on his studies. While pursuing his education at Zenith University College, Joey B started to take music more seriously and became actively involved in the industry.
17. D-Black
D-Black was born Desmond Kwesi Blackmore and became famous for Afrobeat music and entrepreneurship, being a prominent figure in the Ghanaian music scene. If you have heard the song, Vera, that was D-Black.
D-Black began his education at Ridge Church School and later attended Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary. He then pursued higher education at the University of Cape Coast, where he studied for a B.A. in Economics, and later continued at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Theatre Arts/Music.
18. Shatta Wale
Shatta Wale’s real name is Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., a famous reggae and dancehall artist in Ghana known for his hit songs and energetic performances. Some of his best-known singles are Dancehall King, Taking Over, and My Level.
Shatta Wale began his education at Seven Great Princes Academy in Dansoman, a suburb of Accra, where he developed a passion for the arts and participated in the popular drama series By the Fireside at the National Theatre of Ghana. He then continued his studies at Winneba Secondary School, where he completed his secondary education.
Shatta Wale did not attend university but is a prominent figure in the Ghanaian music industry.
19. Patapaa
Patapaa, born Justice Amoah is famous in Ghana for hiplife music, particularly for his viral hits One Corner and Sco Pa Tu Manaa
Patapaa attended Obrachire Senior High Technical School in the Central Region of Ghana.
Although Wikipidia states that he attended the university, Patapaa denied it on Peace Fm’s Ekwanso Dwoodwoo programme. So in conclusion, Patatpaa did not attend the university, and has never taught at Holy Child Senior High School, Wesley Girls Senior High School or any other SHS for that matter.
20. Efia Odo
Efia Odo is a Ghanaian-American actress, television personality, music artist, and socialite. She became famous for acting and being a social media influencer. She has acted in many films including She Prayed and Akwaaba and worked as a TV host for Kwese TV.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Nyack College in the United States. She attended secondary school in the United States and studied Nursing at a university in the USA.
