By Enoch 
Accra, Ghana – Ghanaian actor Prince David Osei has found himself at the center of controversy following a social media post from his account that referred to President-Elect John Dramani Mahama as a “drunkard.” The post, which has since been deleted, sparked outrage and widespread condemnation from the public and political figures alike.
The Controversial Post
The now-viral tweet read: “Even drunkard you voted for kwasia boy!! Learn sense wai Gyimi.” This comment, perceived as highly disrespectful and unbecoming of a public figure, was met with swift backlash. Critics argued that such statements fuel unnecessary hostility in an already polarized political environment.
Prince David Osei’s Response
In an interview with Hitz FM, Prince David Osei claimed that he was not responsible for the post. He explained that he had left his phones with his cousins and friends due to the emotional toll of the election results. “After the election, we were all pained and sort of depressed because we were surprised at the outcome. I even posted to congratulate the NDC and the President-Elect. Then I started getting a lot of attacks on Twitter,” he said.
The Role of Cousins and Friends
Prince David Osei stated that his cousins and friends had access to his phones and may have responded to the provocations from social media users. “Normally, when they start bullying and doing all those stuff, I just leave the phones to my cousins or some of my friends,” he explained. He added that his cousins and friends denied making the comment but admitted they might have done so out of provocation.
Public Reaction
The public reaction to Prince David Osei’s explanation has been mixed. Some have expressed understanding and sympathy for his situation, while others remain skeptical and believe he should take full responsibility for the actions taken from his account. Social media platforms continue to buzz with discussions about the incident, with many calling for accountability and decorum in political discourse.
Moving Forward
Prince David Osei has apologized for the incident and expressed his regret over the comment. He emphasized the importance of maintaining respect and unity, especially during politically charged times. As the nation moves forward, it is crucial for public figures to set a positive example and contribute to a culture of respectful and constructive dialogue.
The Importance of Accountability
This incident underscores the importance of accountability, especially for public figures who have a significant influence on public opinion. Prince David Osei’s situation highlights the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions, even when those actions are carried out by others on their behalf. It also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of social media use and the importance of maintaining control over one’s accounts.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression, but it also comes with its challenges. The incident involving Prince David Osei demonstrates how quickly a single post can escalate and cause widespread controversy. It highlights the need for responsible use of social media and the importance of thinking carefully before posting or allowing others to post on one’s behalf.
The Impact on Political Discourse
The controversy surrounding Prince David Osei’s comment also sheds light on the broader issue of political discourse in Ghana. In a highly polarized environment, it is essential for public figures to promote respectful and constructive dialogue. This incident serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with having a public platform.
The controversy surrounding Prince David Osei’s “drunkard” comment about President-Elect John Mahama highlights the challenges of navigating social media in a politically polarized environment. It underscores the need for accountability and responsible behavior from public figures. As Ghana continues to develop its democratic processes, fostering a culture of respect and unity will be essential for the nation’s progress.
