Nana Poku Ashis, the manager of celebrated Ghanaian highlife artist Kwabena Kwabena, has disclosed that the musician was unknowingly cheated out of funds from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following his work on their 2016 campaign. According to Ashis, friends of the artist, who facilitated his connection with the party leadership, pocketed money meant for him.

The NPP reportedly believed that Kwabena Kwabena was paid for composing a campaign song through intermediaries. However, Ashis clarified that the artist never received the money, despite the party providing documentation showing the disbursement. Kwabena Kwabena had originally thought he was offering his services to the party for free as a gesture of support.

The highlife singer’s support for the NPP dates back to 2008, when his hit song “Number One” became a key anthem for the party’s election campaign. Despite continuing his support in 2012 and 2016, it is now evident that payment issues have caused friction between Kwabena Kwabena and his political allies.

Ashis advised musicians to handle financial agreements with political parties directly to avoid similar issues. He emphasized the importance of transparency and businesslike professionalism when composing songs for political campaigns, highlighting the need for proper compensation.

This revelation comes after Kwabena Kwabena faced backlash from some fans following his 2012 endorsement of the NPP, particularly after the party lost the election that year. Despite these setbacks, Ashis insists that the artist’s growth has been a result of his own hard work, not political backing.

Kwabena Kwabena has since distanced himself from politics, focusing instead on his new gospel song, “Fakye Me,” which is part of his upcoming EP God of Restoration.