The Ghanaian entertainment industry may bring fame and recognition, but for many creatives, especially veterans, it doesn’t provide lasting financial security.

Over the years, several well-known names have quietly stepped away from the spotlight, choosing more stable paths to secure better livelihoods.

Here’s a look at some familiar faces who traded fame for survival and reinvention.

Adwoa Smart

Veteran actress Adwoa Smart, known for her vibrant roles in the golden era of Ghanaian film and theatre, stepped away from acting after facing challenges such as low pay and lack of roles.

She eventually relocated abroad, seeking better opportunities and a more stable life beyond the screen.

She is now said to be working in a restaurant and taking on cleaning jobs, among other things.

Kevin Okyere gifts brand-new shoes to pupils at Aburi Ahwerease

Tic Tac

Once a dominant force in the Ghanaian music scene with multiple hit songs, Tic Tac took a step back from mainstream music.

In a series of interviews over the years, he has acknowledged a harsh reality: music alone doesn’t always pay the bills.

Today, he channels his energy into the food business, building a different kind of brand outside the studio.

Honey Frimpong

Honey Frimpong, a recognisable face in Ghana’s movie circles, chose a different path by relocating abroad.

Steering away from the uncertainties of showbiz, she has embraced a more private life, focusing on building a future outside the industry that once brought her into the spotlight.


Lucky Mensah

Highlife musician Lucky Mensah took a surprising turn by stepping away from music to focus on sports development.

He now dedicates his time to coaching young footballers at LM Soccer Academy in Prampram.

For him, the move represents a shift from performing on stage to mentoring talent on the field.

Rose Mensah

Popularly known as Kyeiwa, Rose Mensah was once a household name in Kumawood movies.

However, due to declining roles and income challenges, she relocated to the United States, where she now runs a food business.

Her journey reflects resilience and the willingness to start over in a completely different environment.


For these stars, stepping away from the spotlight wasn’t the end; it was a necessary pivot toward stability, dignity, and survival.

PAT/EB