Ghanaian dancehall icon Shatta Wale performed at the 2025 President’s Cup free of charge and personally funded all production costs associated with his set, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has revealed.
In a statement issued following the event’s resounding success, the Ministry confirmed that Shatta Wale’s involvement was entirely pro bono, done in honour of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Ghanaian people. The artiste personally took on the costs of dancers, costumes, rehearsals, and stage production, demonstrating what the Ministry called a “deep sense of patriotism and commitment to the growth of Ghanaian sports.”
“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 statement read.
Shatta Wale has since confirmed the report in a social media post, writing:
“Let’s bring the love of football back and Shaxi fully sponsored my performance.”
The announcement comes amid widespread acclaim for the 2025 President’s Cup, which filled the Accra Sports Stadium to capacity on Sunday, July 6—a rare feat for domestic football fixtures. The Ministry heralded the event as a turning point for public confidence in local sports and credited Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams for the successful turnaround.
This marks the second major sporting event under Minister Adams’ leadership to draw such massive attendance, following Ghana’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Chad in March. The Ministry emphasized that no public funds were used in staging the Cup, crediting the success to a mix of strategic partnerships, entertainment integration, and targeted mobilisation.
A fundraising committee, chaired by Dr Tony Aubynn and media mogul Bola Ray, played a key role in resource mobilisation. The Minister himself spearheaded the sponsorship drive by personally sending proposals to stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
This year’s edition stands in stark contrast to previous tournaments. The 2023 President’s Cup drew fewer than 5,000 fans, while the 2025 event packed the stadium—thanks to a multi-faceted approach that included a comprehensive media campaign, regional minister rivalries, and the unification of supporters’ groups.
Performances from Kwaku Smoke, Bogo Blay, and Camidoh further added to the spectacle.
Beyond the fanfare, the Ministry disclosed ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure at the Accra Sports Stadium. Renovations have brought the pitch up to CAF and FIFA standards, and a dedicated task force is managing long-term maintenance. Even the placement of the performance stage behind the goalposts was a deliberate effort to protect the turf.
In conclusion, the Ministry affirmed that the success of the 2025 President’s Cup, coupled with earlier milestones, proves that with innovative thinking and strong stakeholder collaboration, Ghana’s sports sector can thrive independently and regain public trust.
