Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has expressed frustration over what he describes as “total disrespect” from government officials, alleging that he is owed about GH¢5 million for promotional work he undertook in support of the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
According to the outspoken musician, despite completing postings, advertisements and other promotional activities for the national team’s World Cup campaign, he is yet to receive a penny of the money owed him.
What has further angered Shatta Wale, however, is his claim that the Sports Minister has refused to answer his calls as he attempts to follow up on the payment.
Speaking in an interview with GHOne TV, the On God hitmaker said he had repeatedly tried to reach officials over the matter but had been met with silence.
“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 payment at all, Shatta Wale responded emphatically: “Oh, not a penny.”
He then took a swipe at government officials he said had ignored his attempts to reach them.
“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 allegations raise fresh questions about the engagement and payment of creative industry professionals who provide promotional services for government-led national campaigns.
Shatta Wale has been one of the high-profile personalities publicly supporting Ghana’s World Cup campaign. In March, he and his Hotwav team reportedly contributed US$100,000 towards fundraising efforts for the Black Stars.
The musician stressed, however, that the contribution was separate from the GH¢5 million he claims the government owes him for promotional services and advertisements connected to the World Cup campaign.
His comments come months after the government announced the release of GH¢76 million to support the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including funds for preparations, group-stage expenses and outstanding qualification bonuses.
