“I lost big opportunities, relationships over smoking, pregnancy rumours” – Ahoufe Patri

Ghanaian actress Ahoufe Patri has opened up about how rumours surrounding her personal life, including claims that she smoked and was pregnant, affected her career and cost her important opportunities and relationships in the entertainment industry.

According to the actress, the rumours had a significant impact on her professional life, with some people forming negative impressions about her based on claims she insists were untrue.

“I lost big opportunities and good relationships over smoking rumours and pregnancy. This was a huge blow for me,” Ahoufe Patri said in an interview on Okay FM.

The actress, who has been active in the movie industry for about 14 years, recalled that her professional acting journey began with the movie Shakira, where she had a cameo role alongside actors including Mercy Johnson and Kofi Adjorlolo.

She said she later realised that her scenes had been removed from the movie, prompting her to pursue further opportunities, including training at the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), where she became involved in Boys Kasa.

Ahoufe Patri said the rumours surrounding her became particularly damaging as they spread, affecting how people perceived her both professionally and personally.

At one point, she said, rumours even circulated that she was depressed, although she maintained that she was not suffering from depression.

Reflecting on her personal life, the actress said she would prefer a partner who has his own business outside the entertainment industry rather than a highly recognisable personality within the showbiz space.

“I want a man doing his own business somewhere. I don’t want a man from the industry who is too known,” she said, explaining that she is naturally drawn to quiet people.

Despite the challenges she has encountered, Ahoufe Patri said her journey in the entertainment industry has been an interesting one, marked by both setbacks and progress.

She urged people to keep working hard despite the difficulties they encounter, stressing that everyone must strive to make progress from where they started.

Meanwhile, the actress has announced a new production, Accra: The Survival of the Smartest, which she said will be streamed live on YouTube under Ahoufe Productions.

She described the production as a combination of comedy, entertainment and lessons intended to engage and educate viewers.