Kwesi Arthur Makes Explosive Claims Against Former Managers Ground Up Chale

Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur has accused his former management, Ground Up Chale, and its founder Glen Boateng of exploitation, intimidation and attempts to block his independent music career, in what has become one of the most controversial disputes in Ghana’s music industry in recent years.

In a strongly worded public statement, the “Grind Day” hitmaker alleged that Ground Up Chale is demanding $150,000 from him for using images of himself in his current independent project. According to the rapper, the label claims ownership over his image, music and all associated rights from 2016 to date, despite his assertion that he has not been affiliated with the company since the release of his album “Son of Jacob”.

“Ground Up claims to own me, my image, my music and everything attached to it from 2016 to this day,” Kwesi Arthur stated.

The rapper further claimed that throughout his years with the label, he did not earn any income from his music and continues to face threats and manipulation from Glen Boateng.

“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,” he alleged.

In one of the most troubling parts of his statement, Kwesi Arthur raised concerns about his personal safety, naming specific individuals he believes should be held accountable should anything happen to him.

“If anything happens to me, Glen Boateng and all team members of Ground Up Chale are responsible and should be held responsible,” he wrote.

The rapper also warned fans that any potential takedown of his upcoming independent project would not be accidental, claiming there are deliberate efforts to silence him creatively. “He is working constantly around the clock for me to never put out music again,” he added.

Kwesi Arthur explained that he had remained silent for years in hopes of resolving issues privately but said the situation has taken a serious toll on his mental health and wellbeing. “This has affected my wellbeing and mental health greatly, but for the safety of myself and my family I choose to publicly share the truth,” he said.

Following the revelations, fans have rallied behind the artiste on social media using the hashtag #FreeKwesiArthur, calling for accountability and industry intervention. As of publication, Ground Up Chale and Glen Boateng have not publicly responded.

The allegations have reignited conversations around artiste rights, contract transparency and power imbalances within Ghana’s music industry.