Award-winning dancehall artist Shatta Wale has called on Ghanaian youth to support the current government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, citing its potential to improve their lives through impactful policies and programs.
Speaking during a performance at the 2025 GHALCA President’s Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium, Shatta Wale said he believed the administration was capable of transforming the fortunes of the youth.
“From now till the next election, support this government. If you are a youth and you want to see money in your pocket, then support this government because it has come to put money in your pocket.”
Shatta Wale
In a separate message shared on his Facebook page, the musician expressed appreciation to the President.
“The man who rewards your hard work with a smile and can also terminate your contract if you don’t deliver. Good evening, Mr President. We’re grateful for your commitment to empowering the youth and making us part of your vision.”
Shatta Wale
He also thanked the Ministry of Youth and Sports for involving his fanbase in the celebration: “Thanks to the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, for this great honor and to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for making the Shatta Movement Empire / Gaza being part of this historic celebration.”
Shatta Wale’s performance added energy and excitement to the event, which saw Kumasi Asante Kotoko stage a dramatic comeback to defeat Accra Hearts of Oak 2–1 in a thrilling encounter. President Mahama was in attendance at the stadium to witness the match.
Kotoko scored twice early in the second half, overturning a first-half lead by Hearts in what was another memorable chapter in Ghana’s biggest football rivalry.
However, despite the dramatic display on Sunday night, it is a video of President Mahama jamming to Shatta Wale’s performance that has got social media buzzing.
The dancehall superstar delivered an energetic performance to the crowd and did not leave the stage without dropping his monster hit record “Mahama Paper.”
Seated in the VVIP stands alongside Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams, Mahama sang the eponymous song word for word in excitement.
Shatta Wale Rocks President’s Cup Free
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation revealed that the popular dancehall artist was not paid for his performance at the 2025 President’s Cup and that he personally covered all production costs associated with his set at the Accra Sports Stadium.
In a statement released by the Ministry, Shatta Wale delivered the performance “pro bono in honor of the President and the Ghanaian people,” and took full responsibility for expenses related to dancers, costumes, rehearsals, and stage production. “True to his promise to deliver an experience that extended beyond football, the Minister engaged Shatta Wale, who not only agreed to perform pro bono but personally covered all costs related to his performance,” the Ministry stated.
Shatta Wale has since confirmed this in a social media post, writing: “Let’s bring the love of football back and Shaxi fully sponsored my performance.”
The announcement comes in the wake of widespread public praise for the record-breaking success of the 2025 President’s Cup, which filled the Accra Sports Stadium to capacity. The Sports Ministry described the event as a turning point in public confidence in domestic football.
The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, is being credited for overseeing the full turnaround.
This marks the second major football event under his watch to draw a full house, following Ghana’s 5–0 win over Chad in March. “This is a clear demonstration of his conviction that sports when marketed strategically, can be self-sustaining,” the statement reads.
The Ministry attributed the success of the President’s Cup to a blend of strategic partnerships, targeted mobilization, and entertainment integration, all achieved without spending a cedi of public funds.
Beyond the showmanship, the Ministry noted that the Minister has taken steps to improve infrastructure and maintenance at the Accra Sports Stadium.
A task force is now in place to manage the pitch, and critical renovations have been undertaken to meet CAF and FIFA standards. The stage for the musical performances was placed behind the goalposts to avoid damaging the playing surface.
The Ministry concluded that the success of the President’s Cup, coupled with the Black Stars’ earlier match against Chad, “demonstrates that with innovative thinking and stakeholder engagement, the narrative around Ghanaian sports can be transformed.”
The statement further indicates that Kofi Adams’ leadership of the 2025 President’s Cup is a clear signal that public confidence is returning and that Ghana’s sports sector can thrive on its merit.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest Key Suspect in Queen Mother Killed at Naming Ceremony
