Entertainment
[EDITORIAL] Soliciting Funds for the Less Privileged: A Noble Cause or a Clever Scam?
In recent years, fundraising for the less privileged has become a common feature of Ghana’s social landscape. Whether on the streets, on the radio, or through social media live streams, there’s no shortage of appeals for help. These campaigns often tug at the heartstrings, showcasing the suffering of individuals and urging the public to step in. At first glance, such efforts appear noble and an opportunity for citizens to extend a helping hand to the forgotten members of society. But beneath the emotional appeals, a pressing question lingers: Are all these initiatives genuinely about helping the needy, or are some simply clever schemes for personal gain?
Cases That Sparked Public Debate
One recent high-profile instance involved Kofi Adoma’s fundraising for a mentally ill man. The well-known broadcaster rallied his followers to contribute, attracting donations from across the world. While many lauded the gesture, others quietly questioned the follow-up: What systems ensure that such funds reach the beneficiary and are used for their stated purpose?
As it stands now, the mentally ill man is still on the street. The question remains, was the donation worth the cause?
Similarly, the DL F.M. crew made headlines after they solicited donations for another mentally challenged man. Once again, the public responded generously, but murmurs arose about how such funds are handled and whether the beneficiaries truly receive the full measure of support promised.
Then there’s the Okomfour Kwadee saga. The legendary hiplife musician battling mental health and addiction issues is another striking example. Over the years, multiple fundraising drives have been launched in his name, yet there remains a cloud of uncertainty about whether these campaigns deliver sustained help or simply vanish into thin air after the money is raised.
Beyond these notable instances, countless similar stories unfold daily across Ghana. Street collectors appeal for money for alleged medical emergencies, often without providing proof. Social media campaigns for “urgent hospital bills” disappear without updates once contributions roll in. Community radio appeals gather funds for accident victims whose identities are never confirmed.
The lack of formal oversight means that these initiatives operate in a largely unregulated space. While many organisers are genuine and committed to helping, the rise in questionable appeals has made the public increasingly wary. The truth is uncomfortable: the act of giving is only as noble as the honesty of those entrusted to collect and manage the funds. Without proper accountability, generosity risks becoming just another profitable venture for the unscrupulous.
In a society where empathy runs deep, the challenge lies in balancing the instinct to give with the need for verification and transparency. If fundraising for the less privileged is to retain its credibility, there must be structures in place to ensure that those who give and those who receive can both trust the process.
The Transparency Problem
Part of the issue is that fundraising in Ghana’s informal space is almost entirely unregulated. There is no requirement for fundraisers to publish receipts, keep audited accounts, or even identify themselves formally. Once money changes hands — whether through mobile money, cash, or crowdfunding platforms — the trail often goes cold.
Social media has made this even easier. On platforms like Facebook and TikTok, emotional live videos can draw hundreds of donors in hours, with little to no verification. In 2023 alone, the Ghana Police Service reported over a dozen cases of “false representation for donations,” warning the public to be cautious.
Where Do We Go from Here?
This is not to suggest that all fundraising is fraudulent. Many community-led campaigns have changed lives, from funding life-saving surgeries to rebuilding homes destroyed by floods. But the rising number of questionable cases threatens to erode public trust, making it harder for genuine causes to get support.
The solution lies in accountability:
- Fundraisers should provide documented proof of need before going public.
- Independent oversight from NGOs, religious bodies, or local authorities should verify and monitor campaigns.
- Donors should insist on regular updates and receipts before contributing.
In a society where compassion runs deep, the challenge is to protect generosity from becoming a lucrative side hustle for the dishonest. If we fail, the losers will not just be the donors, but also the truly vulnerable, whose voices will be drowned out by growing cynicism.
After all, giving is noble, but only when it truly reaches the hands it was meant for.
Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has opened up about the possibility of venturing into politics, revealing that he may consider running for office as an independent parliamentary candidate if there is significant public demand ahead of the 2028 elections.
He said this during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen talk show with OB. Government name, Charles Nii Armah Jnr., said he does not intend to affiliate with any political party should he decide to enter the political arena.
According to him, his interest in politics would be driven by a desire to serve the people rather than by personal wealth. He disclosed that if the opportunity arises, he would consider contesting the parliamentary seat for Ablekuma South as an independent candidate.
“If the people push me to go into politics, I will consider it. I won’t do it because I’m rich, but because I want to serve the people. I would contest the Ablekuma South seat, but I won’t join any political party. I would prefer to run as an independent candidate if the calls become stronger by 2028,” he said.
Shatta Wale also spoke about his strong attachment to Ghana, explaining that his love for the country is one of the reasons he continues to live here despite opportunities to travel or relocate abroad.
He noted that traveling outside the country can be quite costly for him, which makes him more comfortable staying in Ghana.
“I love Ghana so much. Anytime someone asks me to travel abroad, I feel a bit uneasy because I end up spending more money there. Life outside is expensive,” he explained.
The musician added that living in Ghana allows him to enjoy a level of freedom that he values.
“In Ghana, I feel free. Sometimes I go to certain places and I’m able to walk around without any problem,” he said.
He also urged Ghanaians to cultivate a positive mindset, emphasizing that a constructive outlook can drive meaningful change in society.
“If you keep a positive mindset, you can influence change in many ways,” he added.
Legendary Highlife musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi has accused fellow Highlife artiste Kuami Eugene of using his song without authorization.
According to the veteran musician, Kuami Eugene performed his song word for word and uploaded it on YouTube without seeking permission from him. He explained that although the younger artiste sang the song well and added some flavour to it, he did not contact him beforehand to seek clearance.
Speaking on the flagship Ekwanso Dwoodwoo drive time show on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi said he was surprised when he heard the rendition of his song Asem Kakra Bi online.
“Kuami Eugene has taken my song. Visit his YouTube platform; he did it very well.
He sang the song so nicely, and I was awed when I heard it. Just Google Asem Kakra Bi and you’ll find it. He did a very good job on the song though. But Kuami never spoke to me about the song. It’s not like he sampled it or took some parts of it; he sang it word for word,” he said.
When asked by Nana Romeo whether Kuami Eugene was supposed to seek permission before using the song, the veteran musician responded that the right procedure would have been to request clearance.
However, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi indicated that he does not hold any personal grudge against the Angela hitmaker, describing him as someone he sees as a son.
“I won’t fault him that much. He’s like my son, so if he admires my work and uses it, I have no problem with it,” he noted.
Despite his forgiving stance, the veteran musician maintained that proper respect and due process should have been followed.
He added that although Kuami Eugene may know his work, the artiste has never personally introduced himself to him.
“I have forgiven him, but if someday he introduces himself to me, I will be happy. He should bring me my portion of the earnings. Not giving me even a penny is not right,” he added.
Entertainment
Police Arrest Counsellor Lutterodt Over Alleged Incitement in Viral Video About Late Highlife Star Daddy Lumba
Marriage counsellor and public commentator Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly known as Counsellor Lutterodt, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over remarks made in a viral video that allegedly incited youth to storm the residence of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba.
The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following investigations into comments authorities say were offensive and capable of disturbing public peace.
In a press release issued on March 10, 2026, and signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawoo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, police indicated that Lutterodt’s remarks were linked to issues surrounding the late musician.
“Police investigations indicate that the suspect made some comments in relation to issues surrounding the late musician which are considered offensive and capable of causing a breach of the peace,” the statement said.
Although the police did not disclose the exact content of the viral video, reports suggest the remarks targeted the memory of Daddy Lumba and circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. Lutterodt is alleged to have encouraged some youth to exhume the musician’s body from his residence in East Legon.
Counsellor Lutterodt is a well-known figure in Ghana’s media landscape, frequently appearing on radio and television programmes to provide relationship advice and commentary on social issues. His outspoken style has often generated both support and controversy.
Police confirmed that he has since been granted bail but will be arraigned before court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
According to the CID, Lutterodt will face charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as well as inciting violence under provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).
The offences relate to behaviour or speech that could provoke violence, public disorder, or actions likely to disturb societal peace.
Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, died on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy and a large fan base across the country and beyond.
Lutterodt is expected to appear before an Accra court on Wednesday, where the charges will be formally read and his legal team will respond.
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