Africa’s talent is immeasurable, and these incredible Ghanaian women have soared beyond borders, leaving an undeniable mark on Nigeria’s Nollywood. With their exceptional performances, versatility, and dedication, they have not only entertained audiences but also shaped the industry in ways that can’t be overlooked.
In this article, we will celebrate 10 Ghanaian actresses who have not only gained popularity in Nollywood but have also contributed immensely to its growth. Their impact goes beyond the screen—they have inspired, broken barriers, and cemented their place in African cinema.
Currently 41 years old, Jackie Appiah was born on December 5, 1983 in Canada. She is a Ghanaian actress who became one of the most recognized faces in African cinema. Raised in Ghana, her passion for acting developed from an early age, making her debut in the local film industry before expanding her reach to Nollywood. Her talent, charisma, and ability to embody diverse roles quickly made her a household name across West Africa.
In Nollywood, Jackie has shared the screen with some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Ramsey Nouah, Mike Ezuruonye, and Desmond Elliot. Her performances in movies like Black Soul, Beyoncé: The President’s Daughter, and Stigma demonstrated her versatility and deep emotional range, earning her a dedicated fanbase in Nigeria.
Jackie’s impact on Nollywood goes beyond just acting. Her cross-border appeal helped strengthen the relationship between Ghanaian and Nigerian cinema. She has won multiple awards, including the AMAA, and Ghana Movie Awards, showing she remains a force in the African film industry.
Nadia Buari was born on November 21, 1982, currently 42 years old in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. She is an award-winning actress known for her elegance and captivating performances. Her mother was a beautician and her father, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, a musician and former president of MUSIGA. She studied Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, setting the foundation for her acting career.
Her Nollywood breakthrough came with Beyoncé: The President’s Daughter, where she starred alongside Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Van Vicker. The film’s success propelled her into the Nigerian film industry, where she worked with icons like Jim Iyke, Desmond Elliot, and Ramsey Nouah. Nadia’s ability to play both romantic and dramatic roles earned her major roles in Nollywood hits like Rough Rider, Beauty and the Beast, and Holding Hope.
With her signature charm and effortless screen presence, Nadia Buari remains a beloved figure in both Ghanaian and Nigerian cinema, cementing her place as one of the most influential actresses bridging the two industries.
Joselyn Dumas was born in Ghana’s capital, Accra, where she spent her early years before venturing into the entertainment industry. Initially a paralegal, her passion for media and storytelling led her to television, where she gained recognition as a talk show host before transitioning into acting.
In Nollywood, Joselyn Dumas has carved a niche with her compelling performances. She made a strong impression starring alongside John Dumelo in Love or Something Like That, a role that earned her critical acclaim. Her collaboration with Nollywood heavyweights like Majid Michel, OC Ukeje, and Blossom Chukwujekwu in films such as Silver Rain and Potato Potahto further cemented her presence in the Nigerian film industry.
Beyond acting, she is known for her advocacy for women’s empowerment. Joselyn’s undeniable talent and on-screen charm had made her one of the most recognizable Ghanaian faces in Nollywood, connecting both industries.
Yvonne Nelson was born on November 12, 1985, in Accra, Ghana. The current 39 year old actress was raised by a strong-willed mother. She initially pursued a degree in Human Resource Management before her love for the screen took over. Her journey into acting began in Ghana’s film industry, but it didn’t take long for Nollywood to notice her talent.
She broke through Nollywood when she starred alongside Genevieve Nnaji and Ramsey Nouah in House of Gold, a performance that showcased her ability to command the screen. She went on to work with top Nigerian actors like Mike Ezuruonye, Majid Michel, and Tonto Dikeh in hit films such as Single and Married and Sin City.
Beyond acting, Yvonne is a producer and entrepreneur, known for her bold personality and activism. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, making her not just a Nollywood favorite but a powerful voice in African cinema.
Lydia Forson was born on October 24, 1984, in Mankessim, Ghana. She spent part of her early years in the U.S. before returning to Ghana, where she developed a passion for storytelling and performance. With a degree in English and Information Studies, she brought a unique depth to her craft, making her one of Ghana’s most compelling actresses.
Her Nollywood breakthrough came with Phone Swap, where she starred alongside Wale Ojo in a romantic drama that won hearts across Africa. She has since shared screen with Nigerian heavyweights like Nse Ikpe-Etim, OC Ukeje, and Joke Silva in films such as Isoken and Scorned.
Lydia is known for her strong on-screen presence, witty delivery, and ability to portray deeply emotional roles. Beyond acting, she is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and social justice, proving that her influence extends far beyond film.
Yvonne Okoro, currently 40 years old was born on November 25, 1984 to a Ghanaian mother and a Nigerian father, a heritage that has shaped her career across both film industries. Growing up in Ghana, she pursued her passion for acting early, eventually earning a degree in English and Linguistics before diving into the movie industry.
Her presence in Nollywood became notable with her standout performances in films like Ghana Must Go and Single Six, where she featured alongside Nigerian stars like Joseph Benjamin and IK Ogbonna.
Yvonne is known for her ability to deliver both comedic and dramatic roles effortlessly which has made her a sought-after and a familiar face in cross-border productions.
Martha Ankomah’s journey into Nollywood wasn’t just about crossing borders—it was about making a statement. Born and raised in Accra, Ghana, she grew up with a passion for storytelling and performance. She started her acting career in Ghana’s film industry where she gradually built a name for herself before Nollywood took notice of her undeniable talent.
In Nollywood, Martha has worked alongside top actors like Desmond Elliot, Majid Michel, and Uti Nwachukwu in films such as Somewhere in Africa and Heart of Men. Her ability to portray deep, emotionally charged characters has made her a favorite in both industries.
She is an advocate for youth empowerment and runs the Martha Ankomah Foundation, focusing on education and skills development for underprivileged children. Her impact in Nollywood continues to grow, cementing her as a strong, cross-border talent.
Roselyn Ngissah was born in Ghana but spent part of her early years in Nigeria. This connection that would later shape her career in acting. She got a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana, which made her well-prepared to take on the screen, but her impact extended beyond Ghanaian cinema.
Her entry into Nollywood was seamless, thanks to her versatility and commanding screen presence. She has shared the spotlight with Nollywood stars like Mercy Johnson and Mike Ezuruonye, starring in films that highlight her range—from intense dramas to light hearted comedies. Her ability to switch effortlessly between roles has made her a familiar face in both industries.
Whether in a Ghanaian production or a Nollywood hit, she remains a powerhouse whose talent speaks for itself.
Zynnell Zuh was born and raised in Ghana where her journey into the world of movies began. Initially drawn to storytelling, she transitioned from writing to acting, carving a name for herself in the Ghanaian film industry.
Her cross-border ambitions led her to Nollywood where Zynnell quickly found her footing, starring alongside heavyweights like Desmond Elliot and Yul Edochie. Her striking presence and ability to embody diverse characters made her a sought-after talent. Whether playing a cunning femme fatale or a vulnerable protagonist, she brought depth to every role.
Zynnell’s impact in Nollywood is more than screen time, it shows the unforgettable performances she leaves behind.
Juliet Ibrahim, currently 39 years old, was born on March 3, 1986, in Accra, Ghana, to a Lebanese father and a Ghanaian-Liberian mother. She grew up in a multicultural household which exposed her to diverse cultures and later became an asset in her acting career. Initially, she pursued modeling but later transitioned into acting.
Her Nollywood breakthrough came with Yankee Boys, but it was 30 Days in Atlanta and Shattered Romance that solidified her place in the movie industry. Over the years, she has starred alongside Nigerian heavyweights like Majid Michel, Ramsey Nouah, and Mercy Johnson. Known for her elegance and screen presence, Juliet seamlessly blends into Nollywood, often playing in roles that demand both emotional depth and charm.
Over the years, she has ventured into film production and humanitarian work, showing how multifaceted she is. Her contributions to Nollywood and African cinema as a whole continue to earn her respect and admiration across the continent.
Also check out the Related Posts below, you will see something interesting to read👇 👇
