In our part of the world, it is not uncommon for the ‘actual ages’ of popular figures and even ordinary citizens to become the subject of debate. Blame it on our poor birth administration and documentation which is also bedevilled with corruption and bureaucratic issues.
Recently, Ghanaian actor Samuel Yaw Dabo has found himself at the centre of a swirling controversy surrounding his age, with reactions and comments suggesting that he may be older than he claims to be.
In an interview with Spanish media on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, the actor and football administrator was questioned about his age after putting in a spirited submission for why Real Madrid would win in the UEFA championship match between themselves and Manchester City.
“Haaland will not get a surprise opportunity to score, we don’t fear Halaand,” he revealed “We fear Kelvin De Bruyne”
In the same interview, the intrigued host was quick to stop him mid-sentence and ask about his age.
Dabo who is currently on a European tour in a bid to woo investors for his football team stated; “I am 24 years,” before shaking the hand of the Marca presenter.
Marca has described him as the “The star of their live stream” after the video went viral, gaining him a new crop of fans.
Known for his vibrant on-screen presence and comedic talent, Yaw Dabo has gained a significant following both in Ghana and beyond.
However, his age has become a topic of debate among fans and critics alike due to his diminutive stature.
While Dabo maintains that he was born on July 6, 1998, some individuals have expressed doubts, suggesting that he may be older than his stated age.
The list includes the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as ‘Chairman Wontumi’ who in an interview on Asempa FM prior to the 2020 general elections disclosed that Yaw Dabo was close to 40 years.
“How do you determine someone is young or old by just seeing the size? Do you know Yaw Dabo, the Kumawood actor? He is almost 40 years and so someone like Yaw Dabo has registered and so if you meet him at a polling station, you will just ask him to leave…trust me, he is even older than you, OB,” he said.
Yaw Dabo needed some seconds to know the right age to mention ????. The struggle. I’m damn sure he’s 44 https://t.co/tjhuszHAI1
— Frisky ? (@iansuzir) May 10, 2023
Moreover, interviews from previous years have surfaced, raising questions about the actor’s consistency regarding his age.
— Mr Sonny✊? (@AntwiSonny) May 10, 2023
In an interview with Abeiku Santana, the actor mentioned different ages, leading to confusion and further questioning of his true birth year.
“I have not reduced my age,” Yaw Dabo maintained whiles laughing at the accusations that he was older than someone born in 1998
These inconsistencies have ignited a wave of curiosity and discussion within the entertainment industry and among his supporters especially on Twitter after his viral interview on Tuesday.
But Yaw Dabo is 24 years o his elder brother no catch 30 years sef.
24 bi ein real age.
— Sir Alby (@KwakwaWrites) May 9, 2023
Age controversies are not unique to Yaw Dabo, as several celebrities including footballers and politicians have faced similar scrutiny.
Notable amongst them is the president-elect of Nigeria, Alhaji Ahmed Bola Tinubu who has been accused of massaging his age to be able to contest the recently-held Nigerian elections.
However, the intensity of the speculation, in this case, is due to his stature and the fact that little is known about the actor’s origins and personal life.
Yaw Dabo??
That’s a full grown man there.
He is above 30yrs of age— Kwaku Bruce (@KwakuBruce5) May 9, 2023
The desire by fans to uncover any inconsistencies or secrets in an industry that values youth and novelty has also added to the fascination with his age.
As fans and critics await further clarity on Yaw Dabo’s age, only time will tell whether the age mystery surrounding Yaw Dabo will be resolved definitively.