Kwesi Arthur alleged in a statement posted on his official social media account on January 21, 2026, that Ground Up Chale is asking US$150,000 from him to use his own photographs for an upcoming independent production.
According to him, the label claims ownership of his image, song collection, and brand dating back to 2016, even though he has had no professional or contractual ties with them since his 2022 debut album, ‘Son of Jacob.’
He further stated that he received no financial rewards or royalties from his music during his time with the label.
He has received constant threats, manipulation, and attempts to stymie his independent releases, with Glen Boateng apparently “living off” his hard work.
Kwesi Arthur issued a harsh warning, claiming that if anything happened to him or his family, Glen Boateng and Ground Up Chale should be held responsible.
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He mentioned how the circumstance was negatively affecting 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 conflict appears to be the result of long-standing contract or rights difficulties after his departure from the label.
Medikal, a rapper, has shown his support for Kwesi Arthur, calling out the Ground Up crew and urged them to “leave him alone.”
According to comments on the unfolding story, it serves as a warning to artists about poorly negotiated arrangements, hurried contracts without legal guidance, and power inequalities in Ghana’s music business.
Others have expressed compassion while criticizing the music industry’s exploitative management tactics.
The record label and its executives have yet to reply to these allegations.
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