Ghanaian celebrities seeking public funds to battle crisis: A Cause for Alarm?

1. John Peasah aka Drogba – Battling Demyelination

YOLO's Drogba painfully shares update on health struggle, says 'I can't breathe' YOLO's Drogba painfully shares update on health struggle, says 'I can't breathe' Pulse Ghana

In March 2024, John Peasah, famed for his role as Drogba in YOLO, revealed he was suffering from demyelination, a disease that impacts the nervous system. His sister shared that his symptoms began during the final season of YOLO.

I'll be on oxygen for now - YOLO's Drogba shares update on health struggle I'll be on oxygen for now - YOLO's Drogba shares update on health struggle Pulse Ghana

Despite his on-screen success, Peasah took to social media to seek financial help for his ongoing treatment, highlighting the difficulties many entertainers face when health crises arise.

2. Moesha Boduong – Stroke and Public Appeal

Moesha Buduong ece-auto-gen

In January 2024, Moesha Boduong’s brother, Ebito Boduong, announced that the socialite had suffered a stroke, which had left her unable to move or speak.

Ebito set up a GoFundMe page to cover the steep medical bills, asking the public for assistance. This case increased the number of celebrities relying on public donations to manage medical expenses.

3. Kofi Laing, aka Kowhe – Struggling to Make Ends Meet

Veteran actor Kofi Liang aka Kohwe (Source: Ghanafuodotcom -- Instagram) Pulse Ghana

Veteran actor Kofi Laing, also known as Kowhe, shocked fans in 2019 when he revealed he was struggling to afford necessities. Once a highly paid actor, Kowhe’s emotional plea for help emphasised how many former stars face financial hardship in their later years.

His poignant words, "Unfortunately, people will wait for you to die before they show love," struck a chord with many, bringing attention to the lack of financial security for ageing celebrities. Kohwe died on 16 September 2021 at age 75 after suffering from a stroke in his residence in Accra.

4. Okomfour Kwaadee – Mental Health Struggles

Okomfour Kwadee Okomfour Kwadee’s Pulse Ghana

Hiplife legend Okomfour Kwaadee was once one of Ghana’s most beloved rappers. However, his career was derailed by mental health issues, which kept him out of the public eye for years.

In 2020, disturbing images of Kwaadee looking frail circulated online, and reports emerged that he was seeking treatment at rehabilitation centres.

Okomfuor Kwadee Okomfuor Kwadee Pulse Ghana

A few weeks ago, another disturbing video of him popped online. His case sheds light on the mental health challenges some entertainers face, often in silence.

5. Eyoh Soundboy – Kidney Disease Battle

Eyoh Soundboy Eyoh Soundboy Pulse Ghana

Music producer Eyoh Soundboy, known for working with top artists like Shatta Wale and Sarkodie, battled kidney-related illness for some time. His wife revealed that they needed at least one million Ghana cedis to continue dialysis treatments and undergo a crucial surgery.

Sadly, the Ghanaian record producer passed on through his battle with kidney failure for years. The tragic incident occurred in his home on Wednesday, 2nd March 2022. The young producer’s financial struggle was a stark reminder that even rising stars could face life-threatening health crises without adequate resources.

6. Psalm Adjetefio – Facing Homelessness

In a heartbreaking 2021 interview, Taxi Driver actor Psalm Adjetefio, also known as TT, revealed he was on the verge of homelessness. Despite his ongoing popularity through commercials, he couldn’t afford his rent of GH₵3000 and turned to the public for help. Psalm Adjeteyfio died on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the age of 74.

His case resonated deeply, highlighting the vulnerability of once-famous actors who find themselves financially insecure later.

These stories reflect a more significant issue within Ghana’s entertainment industry: the lack of financial security and proper celebrity support systems. While public donations have helped some, there is a growing concern about the sustainability of such practices.

Is this a key concern political parties are missing? Although they have been campaigning with their manifestos, none has emphasised any central policy to address this need. Should a more formal system be in place to protect entertainers from such financial and health crises? Share your thoughts with us in our comment section.