Veteran Ghanaian broadcaster Israel Laryea has spoken publicly for the first time following the heated social media clash involving his wife, Louisa Laryea, and GHOne TV presenter Lily Mohammed, an online dispute that has since triggered widespread backlash and debate within the media space.
The controversy, which erupted in late January, emerged against the backdrop of heightened public discussion surrounding the visit of American internet sensation IShowSpeed to Ghana.
The streamer, who toured the country as part of his month-long African journey exploring cultural experiences across the continent, became the centre of national conversation after the National Democratic Congress government announced plans to grant him a Ghanaian passport.
Following IShowSpeed’s departure, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that his ministry had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to the streamer — a move that divided public opinion and sparked intense reactions online.
Amid the controversy, Lily Mohammed addressed the issue during a segment on GHOne TV’s morning programme, where she openly criticised the passport decision.
She questioned the rationale behind granting such recognition to a foreign influencer and raised concerns about the broader implications of the gesture.
Her comments quickly gained traction across social media space, prompting responses from various public figures — including Louisa Laryea.
In a post shared online, Louisa challenged what she described as declining journalistic standards and suggested that the profession should focus more on substance than appearance.
She wrote:
“Journalism goes way beyond make-up, skin bleaching, BBL, hair and fashion. Journalists ought to research, court the facts, interrogate data and demonstrate sound reasoning.”
However, Louisa’s remarks were widely interpreted as a personal jab at Lily Mohammed, particularly because they came shortly after Lily’s televised critique.
The GHOne presenter responded sharply, dismissing Louisa’s commentary and suggesting that her confidence stemmed only from being married to a journalist.
Lily’s response included a pointed rebuke, stating that engaging Louisa in discourse would be a “waste of time,” and accusing her of being condescending.
As the online exchange escalated, Louisa attempted to clarify that her original post was not directed at Lily personally.
Despite her explanation, the feud continued to trend, attracting trolling and personal attacks that eventually extended beyond the two women to involve Israel Laryea himself.
With the controversy spiralling, Israel Laryea addressed the matter in a Facebook post on Monday, February 2, 2026, confirming that he had held private discussions with his wife about the viral fallout.
He defended Louisa against accusations of body-shaming and insisted that her comments were not meant to imply that Lily Mohammed had undergone cosmetic procedures or skin bleaching.
Israel stressed that his wife does not know Lily personally and had no intention of targeting her.
He acknowledged, however, that public statements can often be interpreted differently from what was intended, and he extended an apology to Lily Mohammed on Louisa’s behalf if she felt offended by the post.
Israel Laryea also condemned the personal attacks and insults directed at his marriage and his wife’s appearance, describing them as unnecessary and deeply inappropriate.
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