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, sparking widespread debate within the music industry.
In a statement shared on his official social media platforms on January 21, 2026, the award-winning artiste claimed that Ground Up Chale is demanding US$150,000 from him to use images of himself for an upcoming independent project. According to Kwesi Arthur, the label insists it owns his image, music catalogue, and brand from 2016 to date, despite his assertion that he has had no professional or contractual relationship with the company since the release of his debut album, Son of Jacob, in 2022.
Kwesi Arthur further alleged that throughout the years he worked with the label, he did not receive any financial benefits or royalties from his music. He claimed he has endured constant threats, manipulation, and deliberate attempts to block his independent releases, accusing Glen Boateng of “living off” the proceeds of his hard work.
In a strongly worded warning, the rapper stated that if anything were to happen to him or his family, Glen Boateng and all members of the Ground Up Chale team should be held responsible. He described the ongoing dispute as deeply distressing, saying it has taken a toll on his mental health and overall well-being.
“If anything happens to me, Glen Boateng and all team members of Ground Up Chale are responsible and should be held responsible,” he wrote.
“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 my money and hard work.”
Kwesi Arthur also cautioned that if his upcoming independent project is taken down for any reason, fans should hold Glen Boateng responsible.
The dispute appears to be rooted in unresolved contractual and rights issues following his exit from the label. The revelations have drawn strong reactions from fans, industry observers, and fellow musicians. Rapper Medikal publicly voiced his support for Kwesi Arthur, calling on the Ground Up Chale team to “leave Kwesi Arthur alone.”
Online discussions around the issue have framed it as a cautionary tale for emerging artistes, highlighting the dangers of poorly negotiated contracts, rushing into deals without proper legal advice, and the power imbalances that often exist within the Ghanaian music industry. Many have expressed sympathy for Kwesi Arthur while condemning what they describe as exploitative management practices.
