Long before he became one of Ghana's recognisable faces in the movie industry, veteran actor Agya Koo was polishing shoes for Members of Parliament and running a shoemaking business to make ends meet in Accra.
Determined to earn an honest living, the actor said he took up shoemaking and shoe polishing when he arrived in the capital rather than resort to illegal activities.
Among his clients were the late politician Hawa Yakubu, several other Members of Parliament and members of his own family, who trusted him to keep their shoes in good condition.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Agya Koo said his neat appearance and attention to personal grooming helped him attract clients, including people of influence.
“When I arrived in Accra, I started a shoemaking business because I did not want to engage in any illegal activities. I also polished shoes for several Members of Parliament at Sakumono Estates. People such as the late Hawa Yakubu and members of my family were among my clients.
“I was very neat and particular about my appearance, and that helped me attract the calibre of clients I had,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey into acting, Agya Koo said he had maintained cordial relationships with his colleagues and had not allowed disagreements to define his career.
He described himself as someone who readily forgave people, even when they wronged him.
The actor also used the interview to call for greater recognition of pioneers who helped build Ghana's movie industry, saying honouring their contributions would inspire younger generations.
He said actors of his generation had demonstrated commitment and dedication to their craft and deserved to have their efforts acknowledged.
According to him, the industry must also pay attention to the kind of stories being produced, particularly films that can be enjoyed by audiences across different age groups.
He urged filmmakers to produce more family-friendly movies that parents and children could watch together without discomfort.
He said such productions would help restore the appeal of Ghanaian movies as shared family entertainment.
