Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku, a former presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has rebuked blogger Okatakyie Frifa for his recent criticism of Sharif Mahama, the son of Ghana’s President, regarding a high-profile boxing event held in the country.
Frifa, who hosts a popular social media show, had questioned Sharif Mahama’s involvement in organizing the event, which notably featured British boxing champion Anthony Joshua (AJ).
However, Poku Nsafoah has strongly disagreed with this narrative, urging the blogger to issue a public apology to Sharif.
Speaking on the matter, Poku Nsafoah emphasized the importance of fair and respectful commentary, especially when it involves members of the presidential family.
He stated, “I saw a comment by our brother Okatakyie Frifa on Mahama’s son organizing a sports event and bringing in Anthony Joshua to the country. I think it’s unfortunate. When journalists, bloggers, or anybody says something about the presidential family that isn’t right, we should all condemn it.”
Nsafoah called on the blogger to issue an unqualified apology to the President’s son for that commentary.
He remarked “Frifa, I think you should apologize to the boy. There was no need bringing the president’s son into your show. The fact that ex president’s family did something that was talked about doesn’t mean that when another president’s son is doing something as good as promoting sports in the country, especially boxing, we all know what boxing has brought.”
He added that Sharif’s efforts to promote boxing a sport with a rich history in Ghana thanks to legends like Azuma Nelson should be celebrated rather than criticized.
Poku Nsafoah highlighted boxing’s significance for Ghana, noting its consistent contribution to the country’s Olympic medal tally even when other sports fall short.
He praised Sharif’s role as a sports ambassador, stating “The young man is doing well, and I support what he’s doing. Even if he’s using money from the National Sports Council to organize these events, he’s trying to be an ambassador for sports, and it’s a good thing.”
He further defended Sharif by pointing out that the president’s son did not choose his family background but is making positive strides on his own merit.
“He’s not leading some crooked people to the Jubilee House to collect deals, nor is he stopping people’s deals or backbiting anyone. The young boy is doing his own thing. If I were his age with a father as president, God knows what I’d be doing.”
Poku Nsafoah concluded by urging media practitioners to refrain from unnecessary attacks on young members of political families who are actively contributing to national development:
“Please, journalists and bloggers, stay away from these boys and let them do the good work they want to do for Ghana.
“If they do something wrong, we’ll say it. If they do something good, we should praise them. Let’s give a thumbs up for what the young guy is doing,” he added.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
