It could even be more than GHc 2 million but… – Shatta Wale’s Manager
The Manager of Shatta Wale, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, has revealed that it is possible for an artiste to be paid more than GH₵2 million for an ambassadorial job in Ghana.
“Yes, it could cause more depending on the weight of the artist, as we speak Shatta Wale is the biggest artist we have in Ghana and that is undisputed,” Mr Hanson, who is known in showbiz circles as Bull Dog, bragged.
But speaking specifically to Shatta Wale’s case, Bull Dog said he cannot reveal the actual figure because of the contractual agreement signed with the Ghana Exim Bank.
“I don’t know for a fact whether it is less or more but if I was in charge of the account, I would have charged more because he deserves more,” he said in an interview with Accra based Citi FM monitored by theghanareport.com.
The artiste manager, also known for his controversial rants, argued that most Ghanaian artistes have been shortchanged for a long time now and it is only fair they return the favour.
“We were engaged by the Exim Bank to do stuff for Ghana and as Ghanaians, there was no way we were going to do this for free. I believe every Ghanaian artist deceives more, the creative industry has been downplayed for a long time.
Asked if his artist has been paid the GH₵2 million, he said he does not handle finances so cannot speak to that.
He urged the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumbugu, Ras Mubarak, to provide evidence of the claims he made.
Giving further details about the agreement, he mentioned that Shatta Wale was to perform ambassadorial duties for Made-In-Ghana products.
Per the agreement, the artiste was to do a number of photo shoots for a number of products, a photo shoot purposely for billboards, social media engagements and other commercials.
He confirmed that the photo shoot has been done, but it is yet to be publicised.
Background
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday raised red flags over claims that the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) paid GH₵2 million to dance hall musician Shatta Wale for an ambassadorial role.
Shatta Wale and others in the entertainment industry are reported to have been contracted to promote made in Ghana products.
Kumawood actor. Kofi Adu, known in showbiz as Agya Koo, is also alleged to have received GH₵ 250, 000.
Exim Bank is a state entity established by an Act of Parliament to support the development of Ghana’s export trade, facilitate cross border trade and make Ghana a pillar in regional and continental trade.
ALSO READ: PAC grills EXIM bank for over GHC2million payment to Shatta Wale
Meanwhile, the Ghana Exim Bank has responded saying that “no amount of such magnitude has been paid to any ambassador or influencer.”
“We further wish to state that the bank was invited by the Public Accounts Committee to appear before them to answer certain questions pertaining to the operations of the bank between 2015 and 2017.”