Music label Ground Up Chale and its CEO, Glen Boateng, have taken legal action against Ghanaian artist Kwesi Arthur, filing a defamation suit at the High Court in Accra following controversial statements the musician made on social media.
The action, initiated on 27 January 2026, accuses Kwesi Arthur of publishing libelous remarks that allegedly harmed the reputation and business interests of both the label and its founder. The plaintiffs are seeking in excess of GH₵10 million in damages.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
According to the court documents, the suit revolves around a series of social media posts made by Kwesi Arthur on 21 January 2026, in which he made several serious claims about his former management.
In those posts, the musician stated that:
He was being asked to pay USD 150,000 to use images of himself for an independent project.
Ground Up Chale claimed ownership over his image, music, and related assets dating back to 2016.
He had “not made a dime” from his music while under contract with the label.
The label’s management engaged in threats and manipulation and tried to block his independent releases.
He warned that if anything were to happen to him, Glen Boateng and the Ground Up Chale team “should be held responsible.”
What Ground Up Chale Wants From the Court
The plaintiffs are asking the court for several remedies, including:
A declaration that the statements are defamatory and libelous.
An order to remove the offending posts from all social media platforms.
A permanent injunction stopping further defamatory statements.
A public retraction and apology with the same prominence as the original posts.
General damages of GH₵5 million, special damages of GH₵2 million, and aggravated damages of GH₵3 million, alongside legal costs.
Responses and Industry Reaction
Ground Up Chale’s lawyer, Jonathan K. Amable, has publicly disputed key points of Kwesi Arthur’s claims. He told media platforms that the label did not prevent the artist from using his own image generally, but only restricted the use of specific footage created during their contractual relationship. He also cited email evidence showing that Kwesi Arthur received royalties and distribution payments, countering claims that he earned nothing while under the label.
Kwesi Arthur’s allegations sparked significant debate across social media and within Ghana’s entertainment industry, with many fans and observers discussing broader issues around artist rights, contracts, and fair compensation in the music business.
Background: Kwesi Arthur and Ground Up Chale
Kwesi Arthur first rose to prominence after signing with Ground Up Chale in 2017, becoming one of Ghana’s leading hip-hop artists with hits like Grind Day and Winning. His time with the label has now become the focal point of this legal dispute as both sides prepare to have their claims heard in court.
As of the latest reports, Kwesi Arthur has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.