By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has expressed anger at former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare, claiming that his one-week imprisonment in 2021 continues to affect his life and career.
The musician made the remarks during a TikTok Live session, where he recounted the consequences of his arrest and subsequent conviction following a fake gunshot incident that sparked widespread public concern in October 2021.
Shatta Wale had claimed that he was shot, prompting a police investigation. He later turned himself in to the police alongside members of his team after investigations suggested that the incident had been staged.
He was subsequently sentenced to one week in prison by an Accra court and served the sentence at the Ankaful Medium Security Prison in the Central Region.
According to the artiste, the incident continues to create difficulties whenever he travels outside Ghana, particularly when completing official documents and responding to questions about his criminal history.
Shatta Wale explained that he has to answer “yes” whenever he is asked whether he has ever been to prison, after which he is required to explain the circumstances surrounding his incarceration.
Expressing his frustration, the musician blamed the former IGP for what he described as the lasting impact of the case on his reputation and career.
“God punish IGP Dampare for putting jail in my life, to the extent that whenever I intend to travel, I always have to explain why I landed in jail,” Shatta Wale said.
He further lamented that he was not imprisoned for stealing or robbery, questioning why he should continue to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident whenever the issue comes up.
“Dampare come put jail for my life. If I dey travel, and they ask me, have you ever been to jail, I have to say yes. They will ask me, why did you go to jail? Ah, I didn’t steal, I didn’t kill, I no go rob,” he said.
The musician also expressed the belief that the former police chief would eventually face consequences for the decision, accusing him of placing a dent on his life.
His comments have renewed attention to the 2021 incident, which became one of the major controversies involving the artiste and the Ghana Police Service.
However, Shatta Wale’s claims about the impact of the conviction on his international travels and career reflect his personal account. The extent to which the incident affects his visa applications or professional opportunities has not been independently established.
Dr George Akuffo Dampare, who was the IGP at the time, has not been quoted as responding to the musician’s latest remarks.
