“Gov’t owes me GH¢5m” — Shatta Wale fumes over “total disrespect”

Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale has accused the government of owing him roughly GH¢5 million for promotional activities related to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The musician claims that the unpaid funds cover various postings, advertisements, and promotional work he undertook to rally support for the national team’s campaign.

In an interview with GHOne TV, Shatta Wale expressed his disappointment over not receiving any payment despite completing the work. He lamented that even after multiple attempts to reach out to officials, he has received no response. "Not a penny," the artiste declared, emphasizing the lack of respect he feels within the country’s institutions.

The dispute sheds light on the often strained relationship between government entities and creative professionals working on national projects. This issue has gained attention as the government recently announced a GH¢76 million budget to support Ghana’s Black Stars’ World Cup campaign. The funding includes GH¢58 million for preparations and expenses during the group stage, along with GH¢17 million to settle outstanding qualification bonuses.

Earlier this year, Shatta Wale publicly supported the national team’s campaign by contributing US$100,000 through his Hotwav team during a fundraising initiative in March. This contribution was separate from the payment he asserts is owed for his promotional work.