Ghanaian highlife star Akwaboah has opened up for the first time about the wave of harsh online comments he faced regarding his appearance in a photo with his wife.
In an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM’s Ekwanso Dwoodwoo show on Monday, June 30, 2025, Akwaboah revealed that the trolling deeply affected him.
“Sometimes when these trolls come up online, as a human being, it’s very hurtful and painful—especially when you check the person behind the insults,” he said.
The viral moment stemmed from a photo shared by Akwaboah on May 3 to mark his wedding anniversary. Instead of receiving only well wishes, the image sparked negative remarks, with some users criticizing his looks and comparing his seemingly “worn-out” appearance to his wife’s youthful glow.
Akwaboah has now clarified the story behind the picture, explaining that it was taken on a Sunday morning after a hectic day of travel.
“I had only one hour of sleep before church. I had performed at a show in Kwahu and drove back to Accra very late that night,” he explained.
The photo, he said, was also zoomed in, which exaggerated his tired look and invited unwanted scrutiny.
Despite the negativity, fans have praised Akwaboah for his honesty and vulnerability, reminding many of the pressures public figures face in an age of instant online judgment.