Fear of judgment is keeping one of Ghana's beloved actresses from making a life-changing move—and her reasons might surprise you.
Celebrated Ghanaian actress Maame Serwaa has opened up about why she's choosing to stay rooted in Ghana rather than joining the wave of celebrities relocating overseas. In a candid conversation, she shared something many public figures are afraid to admit: the fear of being ridiculed by fellow Ghanaians for taking on ordinary jobs abroad.
During her appearance on Okay FM's show with host Nana Romeo, Maame Serwaa made it clear that while she does travel internationally from time to time, these trips are purely work-related. She emphasized that she always makes her way back home and has zero intentions of establishing permanent residence in any foreign country—at least not in the foreseeable future.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The actress didn't hold back when discussing what's really holding her back. She explained that if circumstances ever led her to move abroad—and it wasn't for educational purposes—she would naturally want to stay productive and take on employment rather than remaining idle. That's just her work ethic. However, there's a significant problem: the judgmental attitude that some Ghanaians living overseas tend to display toward their fellow countrymen and women.
Maame Serwaa pointed out that Ghanaians have developed a reputation for being overly critical and quick to pass judgment based on the type of work someone does abroad. She expressed concern that if people spotted her working at establishments like McDonald's or similar service-oriented jobs, the gossip and mockery would be relentless. Critics would likely claim she squandered her earnings on an extravagant lifestyle and "slayqueening" back home in Ghana, even if that narrative was completely false.
And this is the part most people miss...
"I only travel abroad for work and then return. But relocating there permanently is not part of my plans," she stated frankly. "It would be difficult for me to move abroad to work because there are many Ghanaians there. And for me, if I relocate and it's not for school, I wouldn't want to be idle—I would definitely want to work. But if a Ghanaian sees you working at McDonald's, they would mock you."
She continued, "It's not wrong to work at McDonald's, but you know how our people are—they would start talking. Some would say, 'When she was in Ghana, she spent all her money on lifestyle and slayqueening,' even when that's not the case."
The actress made it abundantly clear that she sees absolutely nothing shameful or degrading about accepting any form of honest, decent work abroad. In fact, she respects anyone willing to work hard regardless of the job title. However, she's also realistic about the toxic culture of judgment that exists within certain circles of the Ghanaian diaspora community, where people are quick to make assumptions and spread rumors about others' financial situations and life choices.
Despite these concerns about potential criticism, Maame Serwaa remains optimistic and grateful for her journey so far. She acknowledged that while her acting career hasn't yet reached the pinnacle she's aiming for, she deeply appreciates the progress she's achieved and the doors that have opened for her throughout the years.
"When I started filmmaking, I was young, and so far, things are going well. It's not exactly how I want it yet, but I'm grateful because not everyone gets it the way I have," she reflected with humility.
Her comments raise an important question that deserves serious discussion: Should successful people feel pressured to maintain a certain image even when it means limiting their opportunities? Is it fair that the fear of being mocked prevents talented individuals from pursuing honest work abroad?
Maame Serwaa's honesty sheds light on a broader issue affecting many African celebrities and public figures—the unrealistic expectations placed on them by society and the harsh judgment they face when they don't conform to those expectations. While some might argue that public figures should develop thicker skin and ignore critics, others would say the problem lies with the judgmental attitudes themselves, not with those being judged.
What do you think? Is Maame Serwaa right to be concerned about judgment from fellow Ghanaians, or should she pursue whatever opportunities she wants regardless of what people might say? Is there really something wrong with our culture of criticizing people for doing honest work? Drop your thoughts in the comments—do you agree or disagree with her stance?
