Ghanaian rapper and singer, Kwesi Arthur, has gone public with serious allegations against his former management company, Ground Up Chale, and its Chief Executive Officer, Glen Boateng.
In a statement shared via his official social media handle on January 21, 2026, Kwesi Arthur claimed: Ground Up Chale is demanding US$150,000 from him to use his own images for an upcoming independent project.
According to him, the label asserts ownership over his image, music catalogue, and brand dating back to 2016, even though he said he has had no professional or contractual relationship with them since his 2022 debut album ‘Son of Jacob’.
He further claimed that he has received no financial benefits or royalties from his music during the period he was affiliated with the label.
He has faced ongoing threats, manipulation, and attempts to block his independent releases, with Glen Boateng allegedly “living off” his hard work.
In a strongly worded caution, Kwesi Arthur stated that if anything happens to him or his family, Glen Boateng and Ground Up Chale should be held responsible.
He described the situation as severely impacting his mental health and well-being.
“If anything happens to me Glen Boateng and all team members of Ground up chale are responsible and should be held responsible.
“I am currently being asked to pay $150,000 for using images of MYSELF for this current project. Ground up claims to own me, my image, my music and everything attached to it from 2016 to this day.
“Although I have not worked or had any affiliation to the company since Son of Jacob. I have not made a dime from any of my music within the period I worked with them for years now and receive constant threats and manipulation from Glen who is living off of my money and hard work.
“If for whatever reason this project that I am trying to give to my fans independently gets taken down, know Glen is responsible,” Kwesi Arthur shared.
This dispute appears to stem from long-standing contract or rights issues after his departure from the label.
Rapper Medikal has shown support for Kwesi Arthur, calling out the Ground Up team and urging them to “leave Kwesi Arthur alone.”
Comments on the emerging story highlight it as a caution to artistes about poorly negotiated deals, rushed contracts without legal advice, and power imbalances in the Ghanaian music industry.
Others have expressed sympathy, criticized exploitative management practices in the music industry.
The record label and its management are yet to respond to these allegations.
— KWESI ARTHUR (@KWESIARTHUR_) January 21, 2026
