Shatta Wale claims Ghana government owes him GH¢5m for World Cup promotion

Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale says the government owes him about GH¢5 million for promotional work connected to the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, while accusing the Sports Minister of ignoring his calls about the unpaid money.

The musician says he completed a series of posts, advertisements and other promotional activities in support of Ghana’s national team but has not received any payment.

Speaking to GHOne TV, Shatta Wale said his repeated efforts to follow up with government officials had produced no response. He described the situation as “total disrespect” and said the amount owed had continued to grow.

“With the World Cup that we did, you know we had to promote whatever… We were supposed to be paid. Up till now, I have not been paid. For the postings and ads, a lot. I think now they owe me about GH¢5 million,” he said.

Asked whether he had received any money at all, the musician replied: “Oh, not a penny.”

Shatta Wale, whose real name is Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr, also claimed that the Sports Minister had refused to answer his calls as he tried to resolve the dispute.

“You call the minister; he will not pick up. The deputy minister of finance will also not pick it. Disrespect, total disrespect in this country,” he fumed.

The claims have raised questions about how creative industry professionals are engaged and paid when they provide promotional services for government-led national campaigns.

Shatta Wale has been among the high-profile public figures supporting Ghana’s World Cup campaign. In March, he and his Hotwav team reportedly contributed US$100,000 to fundraising efforts for the Black Stars.

The artiste emphasised that the reported contribution was separate from the GH¢5 million he says he is owed for advertisements and other promotional work carried out for the World Cup campaign.

His comments come several months after the government announced the release of GH¢76 million to support the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

That funding was intended to cover preparations, group-stage expenses and outstanding qualification bonuses.

Shatta Wale’s allegation concerns payment for promotional services and is separate from the funding announced for the team’s participation in the tournament. He says that, despite completing the agreed campaign activities, he remains unpaid and has been unable to obtain a response from the officials he contacted.