Medikal Sued for GH₵15 Million by Gospel Group Over Copyright Infringement
Ghanaian rapper Medikal is facing a GH₵15 million lawsuit filed by renowned gospel group Alabaster Box, who accuse him of copyright infringement. The legal action stems from Medikal’s alleged unauthorized use of their song Akwaaba in his track Welcome to Africa, which the group claims includes explicit content that tarnishes their reputation.
According to Alabaster Box, Medikal sampled their music without seeking permission, thereby violating their intellectual property rights. They argue that the inclusion of profane lyrics in his song has negatively impacted their image, especially given their standing as a gospel group known for clean, faith-based content.
Despite multiple attempts to serve the rapper with court documents, Alabaster Box’s legal team reported difficulty reaching him personally. As a result, the High Court in Accra has granted special permission for the legal summons to be delivered through alternative means, including Medikal’s verified social media accounts and via WhatsApp to his manager.
The group is seeking GH₵10 million in compensatory damages and an additional GH₵5 million in exemplary damages, citing what they describe as a “deliberate and unlawful use” of their work. They are also calling for the immediate removal of Welcome to Africa from all digital platforms.
Furthermore, Alabaster Box has asked the court to compel Medikal to provide a full financial disclosure detailing any profits made from the song’s release and streaming performance.
This lawsuit marks a significant moment in Ghana’s music industry, highlighting the ongoing need for stronger copyright enforcement and respect for artistic ownership.
