Life has taught us that’s one’s success cannot be determined by the amount of certificates and other academic achievements.

The likes of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg illustrate that with hard work and determination, one can manoeuvre his/her way in this complex life.

The under-listed Ghanaian personalities also mirror the same concept and we hope their interesting rise to the top despite their challenges in school would inspire us all.

1. Yvonne Nelson

This famous African actress of Ghanaian origin failed several times with her SSSCE after several attempts until one last try secured her admission into the Central University College. Today, she is one of the richest and most powerful actresses in Africa.

2. Osei Kwame “Despite”

He doesn’t have a university degree. He started life as a petty trader, dealing in music cassettes, padlocks, feeding bottles and other merchandise at Dunkwa-Offinso. He later became a chainsaw operator. Today, Despite is easily one of the richest individuals in Ghana. He owns the Despite Group of Companies, which includes media organisations such as Peace FM, UTV, Okay FM, Hello FM. He has received honorary doctorate degrees from several prestigious universities in the country.

3. Kwadwo Nkansah (Lil Win )

Lilwin can barely express himself in English yet he’s one of the richest Kumawood stars ever.

He recently built an ultra modern school in his hometown to help the indigenes get equipped with formal education that he himself lacked whilst growing up.

4. Nana Aba Anamoah

Many see Nana Aba Anamoah as too loud and arrogant. However we guess it’s this same quality that has brought her. this far. She’s one of the most revered on-air personality despite having stepped no foot in any journalism school.

She later did some some short courses in journalism and acquired a degree in banking and finance from GIMPA.

5. Mercy Asiedu

Mercy Asiedu, just like many Kumawood actress has a wobbly educational background but her determination right from the days of ‘Key Soap Concert Party’ has brought her this far, making one of the most powerful and influential characters from Kumasi.

6. Mzbel

Mzbel had always wanted to be a journalist but her poor financial background cut short that dream. Ghana Institute of Journalism. Today, however, she is a successful musician and businesswoman.

The Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) leader has been ridiculed as a joker, but she is actually a very rich and successful farmer and businesswoman. She cannot read and write, but she has many people working for her. She also has strong political connections.

8. Stephen Appiah

The former black stars player did not actively pursue education. He allowed his football talent and skill to take him places. Through hard work and determination, he helped Ghana to qualify for her first World Cup. He also played for top sides like Juventus and Fenerbahçe.

9. Mercy Adu Gyamfi

MP for Akwatia The member of parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region is a trained hairdresser. She has no credible formal education to speak of and struggles to express herself in English. However, due to her hard work, belief and extraordinary commitment, she contested and won the Akwatia seat, beating the NDC’s Baba Jamal in the process.

10. Nana Ama McBrown

Nana Ama McBrown dropped out of school at JSS 2 and does not have even a BECE certificate. However, she did not let that deter her.

She is one of the richest and most accomplished actresses in the country today. She is also a successful media personality.