Kumawood actor Yaw Dabo has opened up about the financial realities of Ghana’s movie industry, revealing that acting brought him fame and opportunities but not substantial direct earnings.

Speaking in an interview on UTV, the popular comic actor explained that while movies helped build his brand and public recognition, most of his income came from endorsement deals and other business opportunities that followed his rise to fame.

According to Dabo, acting itself does not pay as much as many people assume.

“Movies have generated some money for us, but not a lot. It is through acting that you get opportunities to feature in advertisements. However, the money you receive directly from acting in movies is not much. Most actors make money from the fame they gain after appearing in movies. A single advert can bring in more money. So, I would say movies create opportunities to make money rather than directly making you rich,” he said.

Despite the limited earnings from acting, Dabo noted that he remains grateful for the opportunities the profession has afforded him.

“I have gained a lot through acting. I have acquired properties, including cars, land, and houses. At one point, I built a house for my mother in Koforidua and purchased two plots of land for myself in Kumasi,” he disclosed.

The actor also addressed questions about his height, stating that he never experienced bullying during his childhood.

“Not at all. We even had a group in my hometown, and I was the leader. They called me Gaboo. I believe your attitude and how you live your life shape your future. I had friends and a group I belonged to, so I never experienced bullying because of my height,” he explained.

Speaking about how he developed an interest in acting, Dabo said he drew inspiration from watching popular actors, including Kumawood star Wayoosi and Nigerian comic duo Aki and Pawpaw.

“I watched a lot of movies growing up, especially those featuring Aki and Pawpaw. I would ask myself whether I could do what they were doing. When I watched actors like Wayoosi, I became convinced that I could also succeed in the industry. The more you expose yourself to something you are passionate about, the more knowledge you gain. That is when I realised I could also become successful,” he recounted.

His remarks come amid ongoing conversations about the earnings of actors and other creatives, as well as concerns about how veteran entertainers sustain themselves after retirement.

Watch the interview below:

Acting alone didn’t really bring in money, but it gave us a platform to earn from other sources. – Yaw Dabo#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/L0OZEhcpW3

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) May 30, 2026

Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang