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Comedian KOKA Faces Backlash Over Bank Employee Joke

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 6:34 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Accra, Ghana - February 12th, 2026 - Ghanaian comedian, Forever Boakye, professionally known as KOKA, is currently facing a storm of online criticism following a joke made during a recent performance that many are deeming insensitive and disrespectful. The joke, targeting a National Investment Bank (NIB) officer, centered around a perceived low salary, and has ignited a broader national conversation about wages, the cost of living in Ghana, and the responsibilities of public figures.

During a stand-up routine, details of which are circulating widely on social media platforms, KOKA reportedly alluded to the NIB officer's salary as being insufficient, implying a financial struggle. While intended as a comedic observation, the comment has been widely interpreted as a belittling and unwarranted attack on a public servant. The immediate reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative, with users across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram voicing their disappointment and demanding an apology.

"It's not about whether the joke was funny," commented one user on X. "It's about the fact that he singled out someone working at a bank, presumably earning less than many in the entertainment industry, and mocked their livelihood. It's tone-deaf, especially given the current economic climate." Others pointed out that publicly discussing individual salaries, even within a comedic setting, is unprofessional and potentially damaging.

The backlash extends beyond simple outrage. Many Ghanaians are framing KOKA's comment as emblematic of a larger issue: a lack of respect for those working in the public sector, despite the vital role they play in the nation's infrastructure and economy. The incident has resurfaced existing anxieties about economic inequality and the widening gap between the wealthy and the working class in Ghana. Recent reports from the Ghana Statistical Service indicate that while the national unemployment rate remains relatively stable, underemployment and precarious work arrangements are on the rise, leaving a significant portion of the population struggling to make ends meet.

"This isn't just about one joke," stated economic analyst, Dr. Ama Serwaa, in a televised interview earlier today. "It's about a societal tendency to undervalue certain professions and the individuals who dedicate their careers to public service. The NIB, like many Ghanaian banks, plays a critical role in providing financial services and supporting economic growth. To casually dismiss the financial contributions of its employees is deeply problematic."

As of this writing, KOKA has remained silent on the matter, neither issuing an apology nor offering any explanation for his remark. This silence is only fueling the fire, with critics accusing him of arrogance and a lack of accountability. His management team has not yet released a statement, further amplifying the controversy. Several marketing experts are predicting a potential impact on KOKA's brand and future endorsements, suggesting that brands may be hesitant to associate with a figure perceived as insensitive or disrespectful.

The incident prompts a discussion about the boundaries of comedy and the responsibilities of comedians in addressing sensitive social issues. While satire and social commentary are often considered essential to the comedic art form, many argue that humor should not come at the expense of individual dignity or contribute to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. The case raises questions about whether comedians have a duty to be mindful of the potential impact of their jokes, particularly in a context where economic hardship and social inequality are prevalent.

The National Investment Bank itself has yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the bank indicate that they are monitoring the situation closely. Some employees have expressed feeling demoralized by the incident, while others have called for a more robust public condemnation of KOKA's comment. The potential for legal action remains unclear, though legal experts suggest that a defamation suit, while possible, would be difficult to prove given the context of a comedic performance. The incident is also reigniting debate on the transparency of public sector salaries and the need for greater dialogue around fair compensation for all workers in Ghana.