At a recent Public Account Committee hearing held on February 6, 2024, Sammy Flex, the manager of self-proclaimed dancehall artist Shatta Wale, voiced concerns over what he alleges to be disparities in payment amounts for booking the Accra Sports Stadium.
During the hearing, Professor Peter Twumasi, the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), disclosed that Afro-dancehall star Stonebwoy had paid GHC70,000 for booking the Accra Sports Stadium for his Bhim Concert in December 2023.
However, Sammy Flex disputed this claim, asserting that the NSA had demanded a booking fee of GHC150,000 for Shatta Wale’s Freedom Wave Concert, which was also scheduled to take place at the same venue.
According to Sammy Flex, the higher fee included charges for essential services such as lighting, ambulance provision, and logistical requirements.
He further questioned the accuracy of Professor Peter Twumasi’s statements before Parliament, where he cited Stonebwoy’s lower payment amount.
These allegations come after Stonebwoy’s manager, Chief Abiola, previously denied the GHC70,000 figure, stating it was inaccurate in an interview on Hitz FM.
“To be very honest with you, these are contractual matters and usually, I wouldn’t want to engage in a public space but the Public Accounts Committee is a very serious committee that, got before the committee so I wouldn’t want to be here on radio to state otherwise.”
He added, “But what I can tell you is that I was delegated by Stonebwoy to lead the charge in terms of doing the negotiations and payment of the stadium. I can also tell you for a fact that yes we paid more than GH₵70,000 for the stadium but I mean I am just watching the issues unfold so I wouldn’t want to disclose in detail for now. I hope you bear with me,”