Omanghana
Former child actor Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye, popularly known as Strika, has reportedly been apprehended by residents of Kwashieman in Accra for allegedly attempting to steal metal railings from a public footbridge.
Strika, who gained international recognition through the critically acclaimed 2015 film Beasts of No Nation, was reportedly caught dismantling sections of the bridge’s metal structure.
A video of the incident circulating on social media shows residents confronting the former child star at the scene. He was accused of cutting portions of the railings with the alleged intention of selling them as scrap metal.
A police officer later intervened and took Strika in for questioning. It remains unclear whether any formal charges have been filed against him.
The incident has generated widespread public reaction because of Strika’s journey from international film recognition to years of reported social and financial difficulties.
He rose to prominence after appearing alongside Idris Elba and fellow Ghanaian actor Abraham Attah in Cary Joji Fukunaga’s war drama Beasts of No Nation. His performance earned him public attention and created expectations of a promising acting career.
However, Strika reportedly struggled to build a stable life after his brief period in the international spotlight. Over the years, reports have linked him to homelessness, financial hardship and difficulties returning to formal education.
He was also reported to have taken on various jobs, including working as a security guard, as he attempted to support himself.
Following the latest incident, casting director Mawuko Kuadzi addressed some of the concerns surrounding Strika’s welfare and finances.
Kuadzi explained that Strika was an orphan and said the actor’s earnings of $30,000 from the film had been placed in a trust account that he could access after turning 18.
He added that several attempts had previously been made to provide Strika with educational opportunities and other forms of welfare support.
The development has renewed public discussion about the long-term protection of child actors and other young talents who experience sudden fame.
Some social media users have called for greater institutional support, including mental health services, financial guidance, education and sustained welfare monitoring for young entertainers after major projects end.
Others have expressed concern about the protection of public infrastructure, arguing that the alleged removal of metal railings from a footbridge could expose pedestrians to serious danger.
The allegations against Strika have not yet been determined by a court, and he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source: Omanghana
