Pulse List: Top 10 celebrity controversies that defined Ghana in 2025

The year 2025 proved to be one of the most turbulent chapters in Ghana’s entertainment history. Beyond chart-topping hits and red-carpet moments, celebrities found themselves entangled in legal battles, political storms, family disputes and public backlash that dominated headlines and ignited fierce online debates.

From courtrooms to concert stages, here is a comprehensive look at the controversies that shaped Ghana’s celebrity culture in 2025.

Dancehall star Shatta Wale’s year took a dramatic turn when Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seized his luxury 2019 Lamborghini Urus amid an international fraud investigation. US authorities reportedly traced the vehicle to proceeds from a $14 million fraud scheme, linking it to Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian serving a prison sentence in the United States.

READ MORE: Shatta Wale vs EOCO: Full list of charges against him

Shatta Wale was briefly detained in August after claiming he purchased the car for $150,000 from an unnamed seller. He was later released on bail, with conditions revised from GH¢10 million to GH¢5 million. The situation intensified as social media users drew connections between the musician and other high-profile fraud suspects arrested throughout the year.

The controversy peaked when Shatta Wale emotionally defended his associate Kofi Boat during a TikTok Live session, insisting critics had condemned him without proof. While denying any involvement in fraud, the artiste later warned individuals engaged in illegal dealings against flaunting wealth online. The year closed with renewed debate after a fan was reportedly injured while scrambling for money sprayed at one of his concerts, reigniting concerns over celebrity excess and public safety.

READ MORE: Shatta Wale detained by EOCO less than 24 hours after flaunting new-acquired $260K Lamborghini

The death of highlife icon Daddy Lumba in July unleashed a deeply emotional and legally complex saga involving two women claiming widowhood. Akosua Serwaa, who cited a civil marriage under German law, and Priscilla Ofori Atta, popularly known as Odo Broni, who lived with the musician for over a decade and had six children with him, found themselves locked in a courtroom battle.

READ MORE: Daddy Lumba’s first wife, Akosua Serwaa speaks for the first time since his passing

In a landmark ruling in November, the Kumasi High Court recognised both women as lawful surviving spouses under customary law. The judgment sparked outrage, public debate and even physical confrontations among supporters outside the courtroom. Traditional authorities were drawn into the fray, with the Asantehene publicly distancing himself from the funeral arrangements.

READ MORE: Court declares both Akosua Serwaa and Ood Broni as legal spouses of Daddy Lumba

Akosua Serwaa’s absence from the burial further fuelled speculation, while family plans to appeal the ruling and reschedule the main funeral kept the controversy alive. The case exposed deep tensions between modern legal systems and customary marriage practices in Ghana.

Few stories shocked the nation more than the sentencing of self-styled evangelist Nana Agradaa. In July, an Accra Circuit Court sentenced her to 15 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for fraud and charlatanic advertising.

The conviction stemmed from a money-doubling scheme promoted during an all-night church service in 2022, where congregants were promised supernatural financial multiplication. Investigations revealed a carefully orchestrated operation involving misleading advertisements, intimidation tactics and financial deception affecting hundreds, possibly thousands, of victims.

READ MORE: Nana Agradaa jailed 15 years with hard labour for false pretence fraud

Despite pleas for leniency from her legal team, the court imposed a deterrent sentence, citing her prior conviction and lack of remorse. Public reaction was sharply divided, with some hailing the ruling as justice for vulnerable victims and others arguing it was excessive. As her appeal remains pending, Agradaa’s story stands as one of the most sobering reminders of the dangers of exploiting faith for profit.

READ MORE: All the ongoing court cases involving Agradaa you may have forgotten

A single Instagram post was all it took for rap icon Sarkodie to ignite one of the year’s most intense political debates. Just a day after President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration, Sarkodie posted “Back to gari soakings like we never left”, a remark many interpreted as a jab at the new administration.

READ MORE: Sarkodie slams critics as 'fools' over his infamous gari soakings comment backlash

Critics accused him of political bias and selective activism, pointing to his earlier criticism of Mahama and perceived silence during the Akufo-Addo years. The backlash escalated dramatically when a self-styled prophet issued a public ultimatum, threatening spiritual consequences unless Sarkodie apologised.

READ MORE: Sarkodie breaks silence on alleged connection with Nana Addo and the NPP

While Sarkodie dismissed the claims and later denied political affiliations, the incident reopened debates about celebrity neutrality, free speech and the role of artistes in political discourse.

Rapper and former University of Ghana SRC President Guru was dragged into controversy after the 2025 Miss UG winner publicly accused pageant organisers of mismanagement. Complaints ranged from a faulty prize vehicle to alleged misuse of funds.

READ MORE: Miss UG winner accuses organisers of misusing funds under Guru’s leadership

Guru defended the administration, stating no promise had been made for a brand-new car. However, claims of intimidation, blocked communication and social media censorship kept the dispute alive, with other celebrities joining the online commentary.

READ MORE: Guru responds to Miss UG winner’s claims about a faulty prize vehicle (Video)

Highlife artiste King Paluta faced severe criticism after a video surfaced showing him insulting a female fan during a performance in London. The incident, described by critics as unprofessional, sparked calls for an apology. Instead, the artiste released a diss track, intensifying the backlash and reopening discussions about artistes’ conduct on international stages.

READ MORE: King Paluta lashes out at fan during London show for not enjoying his performance

READ MORE: King Paluta drops diss track instead of apologising for stage insult

In December, actress and television host Nana Ama McBrown stunned fans by confirming her divorce from Maxwell Mensah after 12 years of marriage. Speaking candidly, she described the separation as mutual and peaceful, emphasising respect, continued communication and shared responsibility for their child.

READ MORE: Nana Ama Mc Brown confirms peaceful divorce from husband Maxwell Mensah

Her openness resonated widely, prompting conversations about marriage, emotional well-being and women’s autonomy in modern Ghanaian society.

Dancehall star Stonebwoy found himself under fire after reposting an old performance clip captioned “Historic” shortly after Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert. Though he clarified it was self-celebration rather than shade, the incident highlighted lingering rivalries and sensitivities within the music industry.

READ MORE: Here’s why Stonebwoy is trending following Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert

Gospel singer Empress Gifty added to Nana Agradaa’s turbulent year by filing a defamation lawsuit against her. The case reignited debates about celebrity feuds, religious authority and accountability in public discourse.

READ MORE: Empress Gifty sues Nana Agradaa for GH₵20 million over defamatory claims

One of the year’s most explosive courtroom battles unfolded when politician Sammy Gyamfi sued social media personality Afia Schwarzenegger for defamation. The lawsuit, triggered by viral online claims, polarised public opinion and became a defining moment in discussions about free speech and digital responsibility.

READ MORE: Sammy Gyamfi sues Afia Schwarzenegger for GH₵10 million over defamation claims

Supporters argued the case was necessary to curb reckless commentary, while critics feared it could stifle expression. Ultimately, the saga underscored a powerful lesson: in the age of virality, words carry consequences.

As 2025 draws to a close, these controversies reflect the growing intersection of fame, influence and accountability in Ghana’s celebrity culture. In a landscape driven by social media and public scrutiny, every action, on stage, online or in court, has the power to ignite a national conversation.