Music company Ground Up Chale has officially filed a lawsuit against Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur. The company’s founder, Glen Boateng, joined the legal action at the High Court in Accra. They are seeking GH¢10 million in damages for alleged defamation and libel. The writ of summons follows controversial statements made by the artist on social media.
The legal dispute erupted after Kwesi Arthur claimed he has no current ties to the label. In a viral post, the rapper alleged the company still claims rights to his music catalogue. He further asserted that he received no financial returns during his years with Ground Up Chale. These claims sparked the widespread #FreeKwesiArthur movement across social media platforms.
Glen Boateng specifically disputes allegations of threats and manipulation mentioned in the rapper’s statement. Kwesi Arthur had previously claimed that Boateng was “living off” his hard work and money. The rapper also expressed fears for his safety and mental wellbeing during the public outburst. These comments were labeled as false and malicious by the plaintiffs in their court filing.
The court has been asked to order the immediate removal of the defamatory posts. Additionally, the plaintiffs want a public retraction and an apology of equal prominence to the original claims. Ground Up Chale was instrumental in Kwesi Arthur’s rise to mainstream fame in the late 2010s. This legal battle marks a significant breakdown in one of Ghana’s most successful music partnerships.
