Influencer cancels euthanasia plans — he found love and 147 free dinners
Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko made headlines months ago after announcing plans to end his life through legal euthanasia in the Netherlands. He cited treatment-resistant bipolar disorder as the driving force behind his decision. But now, social media users are analyzing his current and previous posts, pointing out he might not be the person everyone thinks he is.
Warning: This article includes mentions of suicide and mental health struggles. To return to the home page, click here.
Controversial euthanasia journey takes new turn
The 28-year-old revealed his intentions in a December Instagram video, explaining that his euthanasia date was set for July 30, 2025. He also shared that his fiancé had broken up with him around the same time.
His idea for reconnecting and trying to heal in a different way spurred The Last Supper Project. He said it’s “based on the Harvard Study of Adult Development which speaks to the importance of quality relationships and community as the greatest predictor for happiness.”
Through a booking link in his bio, he encouraged strangers to invite him into their homes to share a meal and conversation. As of Monday, July 28, he claimed to have completed 147 dinners in multiple countries.
Online backlash grows
The backlash started in the comment section of his December post. One user wrote, “Bros doing this for attention.” Another user commented, “Hey folks please look into the shady past of this man. He has swindled hundreds of thousands of dollars from artists and I’m concerned that we’re all being [misled] for his material and financial gain.”
While the online backlash seemed to simmer for a while, it picked back up again this month when Awuah-Darko announced he was engaged again — this time, with a new partner named Alexandré.
“So because of him [your] last supper story ends? And you don’t want to commit euthanasia?” one user asked. Other comments echoed the sentiments of another user who wrote: “Sometimes I feel like you rush into things way too quickly…”
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the 24/7 national suicide prevention hotline at 988 in the U.S. or Canada or go to 988lifeline.org.
Engaged to a new man
A post entitled “Dear Mummy, I’m engaged” features eight slides from Awuah-Darko’s Substack. He explains his partner has also experienced suicidal ideation and lives with polycythemia vera — a type of blood cancer.
“How are you engaged yet going to be euthanized?” another user asked. “[Serious] question not trying to be insensitive.”
Awuah-Darko responded in a lengthy comment
“In my public letter to my mother about my engagement to Alexandre (on substack), I clearly address the fact that my personal stance on pursuing euthanasia has changed. That I want to spend the rest of my days loving this man as meaningfully as I can. I know I’m going to have to answer this question over and over and over again but I’ve accepted it.”
He continued with, “I know I’m ALLOWED to change my mind, as many others have. I know I will still continue to struggle with my bipolarity and PTSD. And just like you, I still do not know when my meal will be. I’m just grateful to continue breaking bread with strangers who are willing and open to connecting with me.”
Detained in Germany and facing immigration issues
But the backlash didn’t end there.
On July 22, Awuah-Darko posted an image of two cots with the caption, “I’ve been detained.” He said he was stopped at the German border and admitted his status in the Netherlands is undocumented.
The artist added that he always knew there were risks in traveling to “break bread with strangers.”
A subreddit entitled r/OkuntakinteSnark is named after Awuah-Darko’s username and has more than 4,000 members. Pinned community highlights include those entitled “Sign the petition to stop Okuntakinte” and “Joseph Awuah-Darko Exposed: A Full Timeline of Alleged Scams, Contradictions, and Emotional Grifting.”
Some users criticized him for posting while detained. Awuah-Darko later said on his Instagram Story that he had “been granted phone privileges” and was still being held at the German border for several hours.
Others in the forum noted that Awuah-Darko may never have been eligible for euthanasia in the Netherlands. While the procedure is legal there, it is strictly limited to residents with a long-term relationship with a Dutch physician. Awuah-Darko publicly stated in the detention post that he is undocumented.
The Netherlands is one of nine countries in Europe that allows for assisted dying.
Past legal issues resurface
Critics have also raised concerns about Awuah-Darko’s past business dealings. In June 2023, Artnet News reported that Ghanaian artist Foster Sakyiamah was suing Awuah-Darko for $266,527 in unpaid dues. Awuah-Darko founded the Noldor Artist Residency in Accra, where Sakyiamah was a participant.
Awuah-Darko’s lawyer, Frank Owusu, told Artnet:
“My client intends to file a counterclaim and maintains that Foster Sakyiamah has benefited substantially from the Noldor Residency’s support over the years and that any funds owed are offset by the $338,886.98 that Foster Sakyiamah has already received from the program and sale of his works since he was first represented.”
Sakyiamah isn’t the first artist to have raised concerns with the Noldor Residency. Artnet reported in 2021 that artists of the residency were asked to leave “as many as 21 works” for the studio.
Support and skepticism collide
Some speculate Awuah-Darko left Ghana to escape legal troubles and used mental health and euthanasia to divert attention.
Although there are many accusations, others are urging compassion. One follower who reportedly booked a virtual lunch with Awuah-Darko said he missed the meeting, citing mental health struggles. Yet just two hours later, he posted an Instagram story from a train en route to another dinner.
As of now, Awuah-Darko said he plans to spend the rest of his life with his new fiancé. Despite ongoing controversy, some continue to call for grace, noting his openness about struggling with bipolar disorder and PTSD.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
