Akosua Gyamama Busia

Busia was born and raised in Ghana, where she started her acting career at the age of 16. She received a scholarship to study at London's Central School of Speech and Drama.At Oxford University, where her siblings were students, she played Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet alongside a predominantly white company.

Among Busia's major film performances is her portrayal of Bessie in the 1986 movie version of Richard Wright's book Native Son (costarring Geraldine Page and Matt Dillon). In 1986, she co-starred with Denzel Washington and Lynn Whitfield in the film Hard Lessons. Busia portrayed Nettie in Steven Spielberg's 1985 adaptation of Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple (alongside Danny Glover and Whoopi Goldberg), Ruth in Badge of the Assassin (1985), Jewel in John Singleton's Rosewood (1997), and Patience in Antoine Fuqua's Tears of the Sun (2003). She has also had a television appearance on the drama ER.

Apart from her acting career, Akosua Busia is also an accomplished author. She published her debut novel, "The Seasons of Beento Blackbird," in 1997. The book explores themes of identity, family, and African diaspora. It received positive reviews and was well-received by readers.

Busia is known for her activism and advocacy work, particularly in relation to issues affecting women and children. She has been involved in various organizations and initiatives focused on women's rights, education, and healthcare in Africa.

In addition to her work in the entertainment industry and activism, Busia holds an MFA in Film and Writing from Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. She has taught at several universities and institutions, sharing her expertise and experience with aspiring artists and writers.

Akosua Busia has made valuable contributions to the arts, literature, and activism and continues to be an influential figure within the African diaspora. Her diverse accomplishments reflect her dedication to promoting social change and empowering marginalized communities.

Hadar Busia-Singleton is the daughter of Akosua Busia and American film director John Singleton, with whom she had a divorced. Before moving back to the US, their daughter attended school in Ghana.

She and her sister Abena Busia co-founded the Busia Foundation International, which aims "to provide assistance to the disadvantaged".