A transatlantic feud between two prominent Ghanaian media personalities has escalated, with U.S.-based political commentator Kevin Taylor taking aim at his rival, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, after evidence emerged suggesting Afrifa artificially inflated the popularity of his online show by purchasing likes from South East Asian countries.
The controversy erupted when a video, which gained significant traction online on Monday, revealed that a large portion of the likes on a recent episode of Afrifa’s program, For the Records, originated from Bangladeshi and Vietnamese users. Social media analysts and observers have speculated that these likes were bought to artificially boost the show’s visibility and perceived popularity.
Seizing the opportunity to ridicule his adversary, Taylor, known for his outspoken commentary on Ghanaian politics, took to X (formerly Twitter) to troll Afrifa. In a biting post, Taylor wrote: “While people are buying suits and hair from Vietnam some people are busy buying auto likes. eiii boi.” The jab implied that Afrifa’s efforts to gain credibility were both desperate and embarrassing, contrasting his actions with more conventional purchases from the region.
The feud between Taylor and Afrifa has been simmering for months, rooted in their competing online platforms. Afrifa, a former host at Ghana’s Angel FM, launched For the Records after leaving the station, adopting a format similar to Taylor’s established show, With All Due Respect. Tensions flared when Afrifa began publicly criticizing Taylor, igniting a bitter rivalry that has since captivated followers of Ghanaian media both at home and in the diaspora.
Taylor, who operates from the United States, has built a reputation for his no-holds-barred commentary, often targeting political figures and media personalities alike. Afrifa, meanwhile, has sought to carve out his own niche in the competitive world of online broadcasting. The revelation of purchased likes, however, has cast a shadow over his efforts, prompting accusations of inauthenticity.