Martha Ankomah recently discussed how dark-skinned actors face heavy pressure to lighten their skin in the Ghana movie business. She shared these experiences during her appearance at PCH Hangouts 2025, an event held by the International Central Gospel Church. Her personal stories highlighted the skin color discrimination she faced throughout her career.
Martha explained how one film producer criticized her dark complexion as a problem. He claimed her skin would make her invisible under studio lights during filming. This type of thinking pushed many actors toward skin-bleaching products just to land roles and fit narrow beauty ideas. Martha pointed out how several formerly dark-skinned Ghanaian stars appear much lighter today because they felt they had to change themselves.
Unlike many others, Martha refused to alter her natural skin tone despite constant pressure. She credits her strength to her religious upbringing and strong family values. Her father practiced the Adventist faith before his death, and her mother remains dedicated to the Pentecost church. These influences shaped her core beliefs from childhood.
Martha finds guidance in biblical wisdom, especially the principle that respecting God leads to true wisdom. This foundation helped her resist harmful industry standards and remain authentic. Her story shows how some performers stand firm against discrimination even when it might hurt their careers.
Martha explained how one film producer criticized her dark complexion as a problem. He claimed her skin would make her invisible under studio lights during filming. This type of thinking pushed many actors toward skin-bleaching products just to land roles and fit narrow beauty ideas. Martha pointed out how several formerly dark-skinned Ghanaian stars appear much lighter today because they felt they had to change themselves.
Unlike many others, Martha refused to alter her natural skin tone despite constant pressure. She credits her strength to her religious upbringing and strong family values. Her father practiced the Adventist faith before his death, and her mother remains dedicated to the Pentecost church. These influences shaped her core beliefs from childhood.
Martha finds guidance in biblical wisdom, especially the principle that respecting God leads to true wisdom. This foundation helped her resist harmful industry standards and remain authentic. Her story shows how some performers stand firm against discrimination even when it might hurt their careers.
