Moesha Buduong

Moesha Buduong is a Ghanaian TV presenter, actress and model who is also known for granting a controversial interview to CNN reporter Christiane Amanpour on issues of sex, love and gender.[1][2][3]

Moesha Buduong
Born (1990-03-10) March 10, 1990
Kumasi, Ghana
Alma materUniversity of Ghana
OccupationActress, model
Known forStarring in various Ghanaian movies, Interview with Christiane Amanpour

Controversy

In April 2018, Buduong came under criticism from Ghanaians.[4] over a controversial interview she gave to CNN reporter Christiane Amanpour. In the interview, Buduong mentioned that Ghanaian women use men as their primary source of income, since the economy is tough. They do this through engaging in sexual intercourse with the men.[5] She is quoted as saying that "In Ghana, our economy is such a way that you need someone to take care of you. You can’t make enough money as a woman here. Because even when you want to get an apartment, in Ghana they take two years’ advance and I just started working where will I get money to pay?"[5] Her comments received harsh criticism from both men and women who felt she was painting a negative picture of Ghanaian (and by extension African) women. Celebrities such as John Dumelo, Lydia Forson, Eazzy, DKB and Afia Odo shared their views on Twitter, most of them negative.[6]

Other people also felt the criticism was unwarranted, because the comments made were a reflection of the reality of Ghanaian life. Radio host Captain Smart commended her and entreated Ghanaians to applaud her for speaking the truth.[7]

Christine Amanpour herself has pleaded with the public not to shame Buduong, calling on the President, Nana Akufo-Addo and Gender Minister Otiko Afisa Djaba to support her.[8] Amanpour said, "I want people to recognize Moesha's right to speak up and the courage she showed by sharing such intimate details about her personal life. As a woman and a journalist, I'm hurt and angry to see such an innocent woman condemned by the press and by many people on social media in this way. It's to the point that Moesha is not sure she can return to Ghana safely. I am so surprised to see this happening in Accra, a city that has rightly got so much attention recently for being one of the most economically and politically successful capitals in Africa. Indeed I was heartened while I was in Accra, listening to a speech by the President himself, defending the rights of the free press to report fully, accurately and fairly."[9]

Buduong later publicly apologized.[10]

Arguments surrounding controversy

A lot of the criticism that Buduong herself stemmed from the premise that Buduong's views were as a result of the patriarchy prevalent in many societies today, especially in Ghana.[4] Many feminists[11] opposes Buduong with the argument that there are many hardworking women in the country who have been successful without the need for a man to support them financially.[10]

Amanpour also interviewed a Ghanaian man on the same topic on which she interviewed Buduong. He voiced the fact that he has been faithful to his partner because of his meager financial status, adding on that unlike him, people who are financially stable can afford numerous partners.[12] However, he did not receive any backlash for his opinions. Many[13] felt that this was a double standard, as they feel more comfortable with such opinions when they came from men, as opposed to when they are from women.[14]

Charity Works

Under her Moesha Foundation, she spent her 29th birthday with students of the Billaw Basic School in the Upper East Region,where her hometown is located. She donated school bags, books and other relevant learning materials.[15]

References
  1. 122108447901948 (2018-04-24). "Watch Moesha Boduong's complete interview with CNN's Amanpour". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2019-03-09.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. "Don't condemn Moesha Boduong – CNN's Amanpour". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  3. Commentary, Pamela Ofori-Boateng; Commentary, Pamela Ofori-Boateng. "A CNN interview sparked another Ghana backlash and a debate about women, sex and love". Quartz Africa. Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  4. "Video: Criticisms of my CNN interview was a blessing - Moesha Boduong". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  5. "I'm sorry – Moesha Boduong apologises to Ghanaians after CNN backlash". Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  6. "Dumelo, Lydia Forson, Eazzy, DKB, others react to Moesha Boduong's CNN interview". Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  7. Hammond, Michael. "Captain Smart jumps to Moesha's defense as he 'blasts' the critics of her CNN interview". Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  8. "Otiko Djaba must 'stand up' for Moesha Boduong – CNN's Amanpour". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  9. Amanpour, Christiane. "Amanpour: Women have a right to speak openly about sex and love". CNN. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  10. Online, Peace FM. "Moesha Boduong Apologizes To Ghanaian Women". www.peacefmonline.com. Retrieved 2019-03-09.
  11. "Gender Minister cautions "publicity-hungry" celebs; condemns Moesha Boduong". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 2020-01-26.
  12. Larbi-Amoah, Lawrencia. "Christiane Amanpour Interviews Ghanaian Man; Says Poverty Prevented Him From Marrying A Second Wife". Ghafla! Ghana. Retrieved 2018-04-24.
  13. "Christiane Amanpour Ghanaian man tells CNN journalist that poverty has made him faithful to his wife - Pulse Ghana". www.pulse.com.gh. Retrieved 2020-01-26.
  14. "MANASSEH'S FOLDER: Amanpour, your double standards stink". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 2020-01-26.
  15. 122108447901948 (2019-03-12). "I'm proud of where I come from - Moesha Bodoung donates to school in hometown". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2019-03-12.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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