Martha Ankomah

Martha Ankomah is one of the most respected actresses of Ghana's Ghallywood scene, an award-winning performer who has built a reputation for versatility on screen and philanthropy off it.

Early life

She was born on 21 November 1986 in Accra. She was introduced to acting in 1994 by her cousin, who took her to the National Theatre, where she joined the Harrisco Drama Group and learned her craft on stage from a young age.

Career

She appeared in television series such as Suncity and St James Hotel, and placed third in the 2007 edition of the Next Movie Star reality show. From there she moved into film, taking roles in productions including Heart of Men, Somewhere in Africa and Sin of the Soul, and establishing herself as a leading dramatic actress.

Awards

Her talent earned formal recognition when she won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Ghana Movie Awards in 2012, and again in 2015, a rare double that placed her among the top actresses of her generation.

Beyond acting

An entrepreneur and philanthropist, she founded the Martha Ankomah Foundation, which promotes education and health for underprivileged children in Ghana. Poised and principled, she has become one of the more admired figures in the country's film industry.