Ghanaian rapper Kwaw Kese has explained his decision to set up a GoFundMe fundraiser in support of rapper Kwesi Arthur amid the latter’s ongoing dispute with his former record label, Ground Up Chale.

Kwaw Kese had launched the fundraiser in January 2026 after Kwesi Arthur claimed that Ground Up Chale was demanding $150,000 for the rights to use his own images.

The campaign was intended to rally fans and well-wishers to contribute small amounts, suggesting that if enough people gave “just one dollar,” the target could be met to help the rapper regain control of his image.

However, Kwesi Arthur himself resisted the gesture, urging his followers to disregard the fundraiser.

Stop making noise and pay for Kwesi Arthur - Kwaw Kese to netizens

Speaking in an interview with Hitz FM on February 16, 2026, the rapper explained that the fundraiser was intended to ‘free’ Kwesi Arthur and that it had raised a significant amount within minutes.

“Kwesi Arthur has over a million followers. I have over a million followers. We needed $150,000 to pay these guys off so that Kwesi Arthur could have his freedom.

“So, I set up the GoFundMe. I came online and posted the GoFundMe, and I said, 'Let's support the brother and pay the money off so that he can be free.' People started donating. Within a few minutes, seven people donated $170. So, imagine if a thousand people had donated. We would have paid the guys, and Kwesi Arthur would be free,” he explained.

Addressing concerns about the legitimacy of the fundraiser, Kwaw Kese stressed that GoFundMe is a public platform where all transactions are visible, making it impossible for him to steal money from it.

“You can’t do a GoFundMe for somebody and say you are taking the money. No, it doesn't work like this. It's public; the whole world is looking. So, how would I take the money and use it for myself? I was doing it for Kwesi Arthur,” he said.

He also shared that as of the time he was speaking, the funds remain in the account, and if they are not withdrawn by a certain deadline, they will be returned to donors.

Kwaw Kese said he had considered donating the money to charity but, given the controversy around the dispute, he now wants donors to have their contributions refunded.

ID/AE

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