In the early 2000s, Ghanaian families gathered in front of their televisions every week for Things We Do for Love, a drama about young people, romance and growing up. One of its most popular characters was Pusher, played by Adjetey Anang. The role made him one of the most recognisable faces in Ghana. More than two decades later, he is still working, with a career that has carried him from teen drama to feature films, including the 1980s-set comedy Keteke.
Things We Do for Love and early roles
Things We Do for Love was a Ghanaian television drama that ran in the early 2000s. It followed the lives, friendships and romances of a group of young people. As Pusher, Adjetey Anang played a character many viewers remembered long after the show ended. People still greet him by the name. Before television fame, he trained and performed as an actor in Accra.
He went on to act in Ghanaian films, working with several of the country’s leading directors. In Peter Sedufia’s 2017 film Keteke, he played a husband trying to get his pregnant wife to her hometown after they miss a train. He starred opposite Lydia Forson.
Comedy, television and longevity
Keteke showed his gift for comedy, and the film was well received. He has continued to appear in television dramas and series. He has performed on stage, which remains an important part of his work. He is married and has children, and he has spoken about the importance of family. Younger actors describe him as a professional who takes the craft seriously.
His early role is part of a golden era of Ghanaian television drama. Few actors from that era have kept working as steadily as he has.
A familiar face
Many Ghanaian actors of his generation found work drying up as the industry changed. Adjetey Anang kept working by moving between television, film and the stage, and by taking roles that let him show different sides of his talent, including comedy. His pairing with Lydia Forson in Keteke was praised by audiences, who enjoyed the couple’s constant bickering.
Adjetey Anang has played many roles since Things We Do for Love. People in Accra still call him Pusher when they see him in the street.
