Veteran Ghanaian actress Belinda Naa Ode Oku, widely known as Adwoa Smart, has opened up about the financial struggles plaguing her decades-long career in the entertainment industry.
In a candid interview with Kwaku Manu, the actress, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with numerous popular productions, disclosed that despite her household name status, she continues to face significant economic hardship.
Adwoa Smart shared the disconnect between public perception and her reality, noting, “Where I stay is not good enough. When my siblings tell people we are related, they wonder if it’s true and assume we are rich.” She debunked myths of a lavish lifestyle, adding, “Some people think I live in a mansion at Trassaco or in rich estates, living life. It’s never been easy for me.”
The actress attributed much of her financial strain to exploitative practices by some film producers who withhold payment after shoots. “They call you to come and shoot, promising to pay later, but they never do,” she lamented. Adwoa Smart further highlighted a systemic issue, revealing that even deceased actors are often owed money, stating, “Most of the actors who are late, the producers owe them. People see you on the screen, but you don’t have money.”
Her revelations shed light on the broader challenges of financial injustice within Ghana’s film industry, prompting discussions on the need for fair compensation and support for veteran actors. As the entertainment community reflects on her words, calls for reform in the industry are likely to grow
