BY GRACE ZIGAH
Ghanaian dancehall musician Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has reignited his long-running grievances over his 2021 arrest, directing fresh criticism at former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare and accusing him of leaving a lasting stain on his personal and public record.
The outspoken musician says his arrest and subsequent remand in custody continue to trouble him years after the incident, particularly because of the questions he believes he may face about his criminal history when travelling internationally.
Shatta Wale made the remarks during a TikTok Live session on October 23, 2026, where he expressed anger over what he considers the lasting consequences of the police action taken against him in October 2021. He questioned why he had been taken into custody, insisting that he had neither stolen from anyone nor committed violent crimes such as murder or robbery.
“Dampare has added jail to my life records. If I’m travelling and they ask whether I’ve been to jail before, I’ll have to say yes. Ah! Why did I go to jail? I didn’t go to jail because I stole, killed or robbed anyone. God will punish that man! What kind of dent have you put on my life like that?” Shatta Wale said.
How Shatta Wale’s 2021 Arrest Unfolded
The dispute dates back to October 2021, when Shatta Wale was arrested following a controversial incident involving a widely circulated prophecy that he would be shot dead.
Bishop Stephen Kwesi Appiah, popularly known as Jesus Ahoufe, of New Life Kingdom Chapel, had predicted that the musician would be shot and killed on October 18, 2021. The prophecy generated public attention and discussion about the possible consequences of the prediction.
When the alleged shooting incident did not unfold as predicted, questions emerged over claims surrounding the incident and the information being circulated publicly.
Shatta Wale was subsequently arrested alongside three other individuals in connection with the publication of false news concerning an alleged shooting incident involving him.
On October 21, 2021, the musician appeared before an Accra Circuit Court, where he was remanded for one week after pleading not guilty to charges of publication of false news and causing fear and panic.
The three other accused persons—Kojo Owusu Koranteng, Idris Yusif and Eric Venator—were also charged in connection with the matter, including abetment of crime, and pleaded not guilty.
Jesus Ahoufe was separately arrested and charged with causing fear and panic over his prophecy.
