By Let’s talk about Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah’s latest appearance on Good Evening Ghana, because if you thought Ghanaian media couldn’t get any messier, Afrifa just proved us wrong. The broadcaster, who’s been hopping from one media house to another like a political hot potato, sat down on Metro TV’s flagship show to air his grievances, throw shade, and—let’s be real—make himself look like more of a drama queen than a serious journalist. Buckle up, because this is going to be a bumpy ride as we unpack Afrifa’s self-righteous tirade and why it’s more laughable than laudable.
The Resignation Sob Story: Really, Afrifa?
Afrifa kicked off his interview with a tale of woe about how he had to resign from Angel FM because—get this—some political bigwigs were complaining about him to his former boss, Dr. Kwaku Oteng. Boo-hoo, Afrifa. Are we supposed to feel sorry for you? Newsflash: if you’re in the media game in Ghana, political pressure isn’t exactly a new concept. It’s practically a rite of passage.
The web search results confirm Afrifa resigned from Angel Broadcasting Network back in January 2025, citing “differences in interests” with management. But let’s call it what it is—a tantrum. Instead of navigating the choppy waters of media politics like a professional, Afrifa threw in the towel and decided to “launch his own platform.”
How noble of him. Except, here’s the thing: if you’re going to play the martyr, at least have a platform that’s worth the hype. What’s this new venture of yours, Afrifa? A YouTube channel with 12 subscribers? A podcast that’s just you ranting into a void? Spare us the theatrics.
The Kessben FM Suspension Claim: Convenient Timing, Eh?
Then there’s Afrifa’s bombshell about Kessben FM suspending Kwame Appiah Kubrick because the ruling party allegedly pressured the station over Kubrick’s involvement in a galamsey protest. On the surface, it sounds like a juicy exposé—except Afrifa conveniently leaves out any receipts to back up this claim. Where’s the evidence, Afrifa? A leaked memo? A recorded phone call?
Or are we just supposed to take your word for it because you’re the self-appointed guardian of truth in Ghanaian media? The web results mention Kwame Appiah Kubi (aka Mr. Speaker) joining Kessben FM back in 2021, but there’s no record of his suspension in the public domain—at least not yet. So, either Afrifa has some insider scoop he’s not sharing, or he’s just stirring the pot for clout. Given his track record, I’m betting on the latter.
Let’s not forget the context here. Galamsey—illegal mining—has been a hot-button issue in Ghana for years, with 34 forest reserves decimated since 2012, according to a 2023 Global Forest Watch report. It’s a real problem, and protests against it are legitimate. But Afrifa using this serious issue to prop up his narrative of being a persecuted media hero is just distasteful.
If you’re going to call out the ruling party, at least do it with some substance, not just vague accusations that sound like they were cooked up for TV ratings.
The Mahama Bash: Pot, Meet Kettle
And then we get to the cherry on top of this messy sundae: Afrifa’s criticism of President John Mahama. Afrifa had the audacity to call Mahama and his associates “highly intolerant,” despite their approachable demeanor. Oh, the irony! This is the same Afrifa who was arrested on March 19, 2025, under Mahama’s administration—an incident the NPP called “state-sponsored lawlessness.”
Now, I’m no fan of Mahama’s heavy-handed tactics (more on that later), but Afrifa painting himself as some bastion of free speech while simultaneously throwing shade at Mahama is peak hypocrisy. If Mahama’s intolerant, what does that make you, Afrifa? The guy who can’t handle a little political heat without resigning in a huff and then running to Metro TV to cry about it?
Let’s break this down. Mahama, who returned to power in January 2025 after a “masterclass” campaign, as noted by political analyst Nansata Yakubu in a BBC report, has his own laundry list of problems. Ghanaians are still reeling from an economic crisis, with 7.3 million people living in poverty, and Mahama’s promises of a “24-hour economy” and reduced cabinet sizes are already being met with skepticism.
Add to that the growing crackdown on press freedom—Ghanaian journalists have faced 150 violations since 2002, per the Media Foundation for West Africa—and Mahama’s administration is far from perfect. But Afrifa’s attempt to position himself as the moral high ground here is laughable. You don’t get to play the victim card when you’re just as petty and opportunistic as the politicians you’re criticizing.
Ghanaian Media Deserves Better Than This Circus
Here’s the real issue: Ghanaian media is in a precarious spot. Once a beacon of press freedom in West Africa—ranking 30th in the 2021 World Press Freedom Index, ahead of Britain and the USA, according to Reporters Without Borders—the country is now sliding backward. The arrests of journalists, including Afrifa himself, are a troubling sign of a democracy under strain.
Free media is crucial for holding state agencies accountable, as noted in a Development + Cooperation article, but personalities like Afrifa are turning this serious issue into a circus. Instead of using his platform to foster meaningful dialogue about galamsey, press freedom, or Mahama’s policies, Afrifa is more interested in playing the victim and settling personal scores. It’s a disservice to Ghanaians who rely on the media for credible information, not reality TV drama.
Final Thoughts: Step Up or Step Out, Afrifa
Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah needs to decide what he wants to be: a serious journalist or a professional complainer. If he’s going to call out the likes of Mahama and the ruling party, he better come with facts, not just feelings.
If he’s going to launch his own platform, it should be something that actually contributes to the media landscape, not just a soapbox for his ego. And if he’s going to keep crying about political pressure, maybe he should consider a career change—because clearly, he’s not cut out for the heat of Ghanaian media.
Ghanaians deserve better than this. We’re dealing with real issues—an economic crisis, environmental degradation from galamsey, and a shrinking space for free speech. The last thing we need is a broadcaster who’s more interested in his own spotlight than in serving the public. So, Afrifa, let me ask you: are you serious? Because from where I’m standing, this looks like a whole lot of noise and not much substance. Step up, or step out. The choice is yours.
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