Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur has made explosive allegations against his former management team, Ground Up Chale, accusing the label and its founder Glen Boateng of exploitation, intimidation and attempts to prevent him from releasing music independently.
In a strongly worded public statement, the GRIND DAY hitmaker claimed he is being asked to pay $150,000 for using images of himself for his current independent project. According to Kwesi Arthur, Ground Up Chale alleges ownership over his image, music and all associated rights from 2016 to date, despite him stating that he has had no affiliation with the company since the release of Son of Jacob.
“Ground up claims to own me, my image, my music and everything attached to it from 2016 to this day,” the rapper stated. Kwesi Arthur further alleged that he has not earned any income from his music during the years he worked with the label, claiming that he continues to receive 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 said.
In one of the most alarming parts of the statement, the artiste expressed concerns for his personal safety, directly naming individuals he says should be held responsible if anything happens 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.
Kwesi Arthur also warned fans that any possible takedown of his upcoming independent project would not be accidental, alleging a deliberate attempt to silence him creatively. “He is working constantly around the clock for me to never put out music again,” he added.
The rapper explained that he had remained silent for a long time in hopes of avoiding public conflict, but said the situation has taken a severe 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.”
Following the statement, fans of the artiste have begun rallying behind him online using the hashtag #FreeKwesiArthur, demanding accountability and urging industry stakeholders to intervene. As of now, Ground Up Chale and Glen Boateng have not publicly responded to the allegations. The situation has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with fans and industry observers calling for transparency, accountability and better protection for artists within the music business.
The development adds to ongoing conversations about artiste rights, contract fairness and power dynamics within Ghana’s music industry.
