Shatta Wale Performs Free of Charge at President’s Cup – Sports Ministry

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has disclosed that celebrated dancehall artist Shatta Wale performed pro bono at the 2025 President’s Cup, personally funding all production expenses for his act at Accra Sports Stadium.

In an official statement, the Ministry revealed that Shatta Wale’s performance was “in honour of the President and the Ghanaian people,” with the artiste taking full responsibility for costs 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 also personally covered all expenses associated with his performance,” the Ministry stated.

Shatta Wale confirmed this in a social media post, writing: “Let’s bring the love of football back and Shaxi fully sponsored my performance.”

The announcement follows widespread acclaim for the record-breaking success of the 2025 President’s Cup, which saw the Accra Sports Stadium filled to capacity on Sunday, 6 July. The Sports Ministry described the event as a turning point in public confidence in domestic football.

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has been credited with overseeing this transformation. This is the second major football event under his tenure to attract a full house, following Ghana’s 5–0 victory 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 mobilisation, and entertainment integration — all achieved without the expenditure of public funds.

To secure sustainable financing, a fundraising committee chaired by Dr Tony Aubynn and Bola Ray was established to mobilise resources from both public and private sectors. Minister Adams personally led sponsorship efforts, sending proposals and letters to potential partners.

The 2025 event starkly contrasted with previous editions, notably the 2023 tournament, which struggled to attract even 5,000 fans.

The Ministry noted that a comprehensive media campaign, a spirited regional rivalry encouraged by the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regional Ministers, and the unification of supporters’ groups under one umbrella all contributed to the buzz that led to a packed stadium.

Supporting performances from Kwaku Smoke, Bogo Blay, and Camidoh further enhanced the event’s appeal.

Beyond the entertainment, the Ministry highlighted Minister Adams’ efforts to improve infrastructure and maintenance at the Accra Sports Stadium. A task force has been established to manage the pitch, and critical renovations have been undertaken to meet CAF and FIFA standards. The stage for the musical acts was strategically placed behind the goalposts to avoid damage to 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 suggests that Kofi Adams’ leadership of the 2025 President’s Cup is a clear signal of returning public confidence and affirms that Ghana’s sports sector is capable of thriving independently.