Kumawood actor Big Akwes has sparked outrage on social media following comments he made about the death of Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba.
The actor indicated that the singers passing brought him a sense of relief, citing the extent of Lumbas long-standing health complications.
Speaking in an interview on Obatanpa FM, Big Akwes claimed that the late musician had been suffering in silence for years and that his death, though sad, came as a release from ongoing pain.
According to him, Daddy Lumba had battled severe health issues, including complications from spinal surgery, and had reportedly been confined to a wheelchair for nearly three years.
I was happy to hear the passing of Daddy Lumba. Because of the illness, which he underwent surgery on his spine, the truth is he was suffering. He has said it before that he has been in a wheelchair for almost three years just recently when we buried the father of Father Abraham, we invited Daddy Lumba where he said he would show up but he couldnt.
He was supposed to just come around and sit in his car and take GH¢400k but he couldnt come to the funeral and it shows he did not have the strength, he said.
But while some netizens acknowledged the reality of the singers health condition, many have condemned the actors choice of words, especially his expression of being happy about the death, as insensitive and ill-timed.
Critics argue that even if his intentions were not malicious, the tone and timing of his comment were inappropriate given the nations ongoing mourning.
Hes right though but he shouldnt have to say hes happy, thats a wrong statement there, but I think hes right someway, one social media user wrote in response to the interview.
Some statements dont need to be aired regardless, another commented.
Others were more blunt in their criticism, calling out Big Akwes for what they saw as a pattern of reckless speech.
This guy is fooling too much. I dont understand why they still give him the platform to chat nonsense, one commenter posted.