Ghanaian TikToker Ebenezer Arthur, popularly known as Deaconess Abokomah, has become one of the country’s most recognised online comedians, famous for portraying a witty, old-fashioned Fanti woman with a mix of humour and nostalgia.
But while people enjoy his content, the fame and applause has equally attracted unwarranted enemies.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, he said his work has not been without criticism, with some trolls attacking him for cross-dressing, a central element of his comedic brand.
Deaconess, however, insists there’s nothing immoral about it.
“It’s the work we do. The outfits fit the characters we portray. Once the cameras go off, we return to our real lives. It’s strictly for entertainment,” he said.
While he brushes off most online hate, Deaconess admits he has occasionally faced real-life threats.
“A guy once warned me in Takoradi, saying, ‘Wait for the bill to pass in Parliament and you’ll see what I’ll do to you.’ I just ignored him and walked away,” he recalled.
“Sometimes we get insults in the comments too, on our social media pages, but I’ve learned to focus on the positive side,” he said.
A defining part of his brand is his signature cloth, which fans have come to love.
“My mom gave me different clothes to wear, but anytime I try to change, fans ask me to go back to the old ones,” he laughed. “They’re all GTP, and that brand reminds people of our mothers. So, I kept it as my identity.”
Through it all, Deaconess remains committed to creating clean, relatable content. (Read TGMA should create honorary category for artistes like Shatta Wale - George Quaye)
“People should understand that we are here to entertain,” he said. “My videos are family-friendly and carry moral lessons. I want people to laugh, feel happy and maybe even forget their worries for a while.”
He also revealed that TikTok is his main source of income, though he occasionally takes up emceeing, karaoke gigs and advertising contracts.
“TikTok opened many doors. I’ve hosted events like the Diamond Divas White Party in London and done advertisements in Dubai. I still have business plans, but financial challenges have made me pause for now,” he shared.
