Anger on social media over disrespect towards Jonathan Mensah’s photography

Former Black Stars defender Jonathan Mensah has received massive support on social media after a user appeared to undermine his current profession as a photographer.

In a viral video sighted on September 29, 2026, Mensah was spotted at a stadium abroad in his usual outfit, holding his camera and other equipment as he carried out his photography duties.

The video was shared by an X account named ‘Harismadeit’ and accompanied by the tag “Ghana will fail you,” which appeared to imply that the nation had not honoured the former player enough and that photography was below his status.

Eric Tinkler leaves Kotoko after two months in charge

The post was quickly criticised by some individuals on social media, including sports journalists and influencers, who described the caption as disrespectful.

Some aggrieved social media users asserted that being a photographer is not beneath Mensah’s status, noting that photography is a profession through which people earn a living.

Most of the users also criticised the account that shared the post, with some labelling its owner “unwise” and “useless,” while others warned against taking advantage of social media to misbehave and tarnish the image of the former Black Stars defender.

Read the comments below:

Herh @1harrismadeit what is wrong with you? That’s the single most needless and admiringly silly comparison I’ve read. Becoming a photographer after playing professional football isn’t the equivalent of a President becoming a party agent. One is a career change. The other is… https://t.co/sbgNqsTQrN
— nana aba (@thenanaaba) September 29, 2026

Lol, so in your shallow mind, Jonathan Mensah is a failure? Keep fooling yourself for clicks and engagement. https://t.co/lJwSBtc3kv
— Enokay (@enokay69) September 29, 2026

Very stupid post from you.

A lot of footballers struggle with life after retirement because the transition from playing professionally to doing nothing can be difficult. That’s why many of them find hobbies and activities that keep them happy, active and mentally engaged.… https://t.co/yGyciSPpPg
— Zlatan (@sports_Zlatan) September 29, 2026

Hmm it’s sad bro
They just want to see him driving in some flashy cars before they would be believe he’s ok
— ROLLIES 🛠️🇬🇭 (@draxler_jnr) September 29, 2026

“I don’t get engagement anymore. Let me make one stupid post with my empty brain so I get tractions.”

If not this, nothing should make you tweet this as a reasonable human being. https://t.co/LGGiF5oUbF
— Jay (@JustKobby98) September 29, 2026

chale ashock ooo cuz people retire and go play golf then stuffs, so if he want to be sport photographer what’s failure about that?
— _the.last.priest._𓃵 (@_philiptetteh_) September 29, 2026

The fact that he decided to choose a different career path does not mean Ghana failed him.. it could be due to personal reasons or choice, you people should stop doing this https://t.co/9XJPYBNTcf
— the Creator † (@WiaseNyame) September 29, 2026

It’s stupid how a person cannot have a hobby or even appear to be normal because society elevates him to a certain level. People even wonder why you walk? Why you take trotro ? There are millionaires who work as wedding and sports photographers purely as a hobby. https://t.co/SkJVfd2bqf
— Gotfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) September 29, 2026

Since when did having a hobby become evidence of failure? Footballers are human beings outside the pitch too. He’s simply enjoying life and doing something he loves.

Not every camera is a cry for help. Sometimes it’s just a camera. Don’t be stupid. Thank you! https://t.co/GZRnlj1bz8
— Kofi Perfume (@Phreddi_Grey) September 29, 2026

Ah because he's enjoying his hobby? https://t.co/ucVGy0eduK
— SITSO (@OfficialSitso) September 29, 2026

Stop the fooling. This was something he decided to do from AFCON 2021 through discussion with one of Ghana’s top sports photographers if not the topmost now @bigmuello in Cameroon

It’s passion and a hobby for him. Stop the nonsense justification of your post and take correction https://t.co/odfKYBcXFv
— KELVIN OWUSU ANSAH (@TheKelOwusu) September 29, 2026