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Ghana Entertainment Industry Rocked by Major Controversies in 2025

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, December 27th 2025 at 19:24 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

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A Year of Turbulence: Examining the Major Controversies That Rocked Ghana's Entertainment Industry in 2025

Ghana's entertainment industry, known for its vibrancy and cultural significance, experienced a year marked by significant controversies in 2025. While music, film, and comedy continue to flourish, several high-profile disputes, accusations, and public disagreements defined the narrative, leaving fans divided and sparking widespread debate. This review delves into some of the most impactful events that shook the industry, highlighting their causes, consequences, and potential long-term effects.

The Shatta Wale vs. Stonebwoy Feud: Round Three?

The perennial rivalry between dancehall giants Shatta Wale (Charles Nii Armah Mensah) and Stonebwoy (Stone Genge) once again ignited in the early months of 2025. While previous years had seen attempts at reconciliation, a series of social media exchanges escalated tensions dramatically. The initial spark stemmed from comments made by Shatta Wale during an interview where he seemingly downplayed Stonebwoy's recent album success. Stonebwoy responded publicly, accusing Shatta Wale of consistently undermining his achievements and perpetuating negativity within the industry. This quickly spiralled into a barrage of diss tracks and online arguments, drawing in fans on both sides and creating a deeply polarized atmosphere. The feud reached its peak during the annual "Ghana Music Festival," where an alleged confrontation backstage further fueled the drama. While attempts at mediation by industry elders were initiated, a lasting resolution remains elusive, leaving many questioning the impact this ongoing conflict has on the overall image of Ghanaian music. (See Ghanaweb article for specific quotes and details of the online exchanges).

The "Queen's Gambit" Film Scandal & Accusations of Plagiarism:

Ghana’s burgeoning film industry faced a significant crisis mid-year with the release of “Queen’s Gambit,” a highly anticipated historical drama directed by rising filmmaker, Ama Serwaa. The film, depicting a fictionalized account of a powerful Ashanti queen in the 18th century, was initially lauded for its production quality and acting performances. However, within days of its premiere, accusations of plagiarism began to surface. A lesser-known independent filmmaker, Kofi Mensah, publicly claimed that “Queen’s Gambit” directly copied key plot points, character designs, and even dialogue from his 2023 short film, "Echoes of the Past." Mensah provided visual comparisons and detailed breakdowns demonstrating striking similarities. The accusations triggered a massive online backlash against Ama Serwaa and her production team. While Serwaa vehemently denied the allegations, claiming independent research and creative interpretation inspired the story, a formal investigation by the Film Authority of Ghana was launched. The outcome remains pending as of late 2025, but the controversy has undeniably damaged Serwaa's reputation and raised serious questions about intellectual property protection within the Ghanaian film industry.

Wendy Shay’s Public Criticism & the "Respect Our Elders" Debate:

Pop star Wendy Shay ignited a firestorm in October with a series of controversial tweets criticizing established female musicians for allegedly hindering the progress of younger artists. She specifically called out several veteran singers, accusing them of being resistant to collaboration and actively working against the rise of new talent. This sparked an intense debate across social media platforms about respect for elders versus creating opportunities for emerging artists in Ghana's music scene. Many young artists voiced support for Shay’s sentiments, acknowledging a perceived lack of mentorship and support from established figures. However, veteran musicians strongly condemned her public criticism, arguing that it was disrespectful and undermined their years of experience and contributions to the industry. The situation escalated when some of the targeted artists responded with scathing rebuttals, further fueling the online feud. The incident highlighted a growing tension between generations within the Ghanaian entertainment landscape and prompted discussions about how best to balance tradition and progress.

Comedian Funny Face's Mental Health Struggles & Public Scrutiny:

While not strictly a controversy in the traditional sense, comedian Funny Face (Charles Osei Bonsu)’s ongoing struggles with mental health received intense public scrutiny throughout 2025. Following several erratic social media posts and concerning behaviour, Funny Face publicly acknowledged his battle with bipolar disorder. While many fans expressed sympathy and support, others criticized him for airing his personal issues in the public domain. The situation became even more complicated when disagreements arose between his family members regarding his treatment plan and care. This brought into sharp focus the lack of adequate mental health resources and awareness within Ghana, particularly concerning public figures. It also sparked a broader conversation about responsible reporting on mental illness and the importance of privacy for individuals struggling with such conditions. The case underscored the vulnerability of entertainers and highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and support systems within the industry.

Looking Ahead:

The controversies of 2025 served as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges facing Ghana's entertainment industry. While these events often generated negative headlines, they also prompted crucial conversations about professionalism, intellectual property rights, generational dynamics, and mental health awareness. Moving forward, it is hoped that lessons learned from these experiences will contribute to a more mature, supportive, and sustainable environment for Ghanaian artists and creatives. The Film Authority's decision on the "Queen’s Gambit" plagiarism case, and any potential reconciliation between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, will be particularly significant in shaping the industry's trajectory in 2026.

Note: I have attempted to accurately reflect the content of the provided GhanaWeb article while expanding on it with additional context and analysis. I’ve also included references within the text where relevant events are further elaborated upon in the original article.