In the year 2023, the entertainment industry witnessed a surge in controversies, with several media personalities actively contributing to the discourse through various means.
These individuals grabbed headlines for engaging in feuds, pulling off stunts, critiquing politicians, and other actions that ignited controversies across social media platforms.
While some media figures focused on holding politicians accountable and criticizing them for their actions, others directed accusations at their colleagues and fellow showbiz personalities.
The result was a plethora of online conversations and discussions sparked by these media personalities’ actions.
1. Blakk Rasta
When it came to political matters that tended to make Ghanaians’ problems in the midst of the economic crisis worse, Blakk Rasta was outspoken.
He was an outspoken opponent of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for failing to address the predicament of Ghanaians in the face of the dire economic circumstances facing their nation.
He wasn’t limited to criticizing politicians; he also included other celebrities who made headlines for the wrong reasons.
2. Afia Pokua (Vim Lady)
The outspoken media personality expressed disapproval of the Akufo-Addo-led government as well as other matters concerning the country’s citizens’ quality of life.
Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, according to Vim Lady, is a laid-back and lethargic individual who should take responsibility for his defeat in the NPP primaries.
In addition, Afia Pokua attacked Deborah Seyram, the side chick, after the court denied her request. She claimed that Seyram’s reliance on verbal assurance was insufficient to persuade the court to grant her request in the lawsuit against Ernest Kwasi Nimako, the former First Atlantic Bank Chief Financial Officer.
Other topics Vim Lady discussed that caused controversy throughout the nation included her opinion on the “kingship rift” between the Asantehene and Dormaahene.
3. Bridget Otoo
Prominent media figure Bridget Otoo made headlines for controversial actions and remarks about certain individuals.
Her active participation in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest drew attention, particularly when she clashed with the police amid a misunderstanding.
In another notable incident, the CEO of Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM 1), sued Bridget Otoo for consistently labeling him a ‘fraudster.’ Undeterred by the legal action, she pledged to confront NAM1 in court.
Beyond legal matters, Bridget Otoo openly criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of spreading falsehoods to the Ghanaian public about pre-election promises.
4. Sally Mann
In 2023, Sally Mann became a notable figure in the entertainment industry due to her involvement in various controversies. She notably criticized Dancehall artist Shatta Wale on several occasions, including a controversial statement where she suggested that the artist might be prone to suicidal tendencies due to envy.
Shatta Wale, responding to Sally Mann’s remarks, urged the Ghana Police Service to investigate and take action against her for her comments about suicide.
Beyond her interactions with Shatta Wale, Sally Mann frequently expressed her opinions on other celebrities and their issues.
This included a contentious exchange with the followers of actress Nana Ama McBrown.
After some of McBrown’s fans suggested that Sally Mann should concentrate on having children instead of criticizing McBrown, Sally retorted by questioning whether McBrown had given birth naturally, further fueling the controversy.
5. MC Yaa Yeboah
MC Yaa Yeboah took the spotlight among controversial media personalities, stirring discussions and reactions with her outspoken criticisms.
She notably labeled Prophet Nigel Gaisie as ‘childish’ for a prophecy concerning Sheriff Black, creating a buzz on social media.
Her critique focused on Gaisie’s lack of clarity and purpose in delivering the message, leading to confusion and speculation that it involved the musician Black Sherif.
Additionally, MC Yaa Yeboah didn’t hold back in criticizing Mzbel’s son for expressing disbelief in the existence of God as perceived by Christians.
These public outbursts by MC Yaa Yeboah sparked significant controversies and discussions across social media platforms.
6. Ohemaa Woyeje
Ohemaa Woyeje’s attacks on Deloris Frimpong Manso popularly known as Delay about an interview was one of the most much-talked-about issues in the year.
She stated that Delay’s questions about her husband during an interview were intentional and had malicious intent to dent her image however, he played along.
Ohemaa Woyeje also disclosed that Delay is an arrogant person who didn’t want her background to be known after she gained popularity in the country.
Although Delay did not respond to her claims, there were mixed reactions on social media while others were bashing her for denigrating her colleague’s image.
7. Kwasi Aboagye
The controversy involving Kwasi Aboagye, the host of Peace FM’s Entertainment Review Show, erupted when he disputed Shatta Wale’s public claim of being paid 80,000 pounds for a performance at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards UK.
In response, Shatta Wale expressed his dissatisfaction by insulting Kwasi Aboagye and the owners of Despite Media, accusing them of tarnishing his image.
The incident generated a significant buzz on social media, with diverse opinions emerging. While some criticized Shatta Wale for his outburst, others applauded him for what they perceived as speaking the truth.
8. Abeiku Santana
In 2023, Despite Media’s employee Abeiku Santana gained notoriety for various controversies, including his commentary on the sentencing of Pizzaman’s employees caught stealing chicken and cooking oil.
Expressing bewilderment over why a youth leader pursued the case in court, he deemed the punishment excessively harsh.
Later regretting his remarks, Abeiku Santana publicly apologized to Pizzaman’s CEO. However, his initial comments sparked backlash on social media, as they appeared to endorse the wrongdoing.
These media personalities, including Abeiku Santana, dominated the year’s controversies.
