Renowned Ghanaian international gospel musician, Sonnie Badu, says he did not receive USD$50,000.00 as payment for his ministration during the launch of the National Cathedral of Ghana (NCG) fundraising in United States capital, Washington DC in 2019.
Claims of the alleged payment emerged on social media on 20 June 2022, with several commentators including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, among those making the allegation and asking for clarity on same.
NCG clarification
The National Cathedral Secretariat in a press release dated the 21 June 2022 and signed by its Executive Director, Dr Paul Opoku-Mensah, noted that the assertion of the said payment had come to their notice and that, they were frivolous and a complete falsehood.
“There are reports about the payment of $50,000.00 to the singer, Sonnie Badu, for his performance at the Launch of the National Cathedral Fundraising in Washington DC in February 8, 2019”.
“The Secretariat of the National Cathedral has not paid any money, neither is it aware of any such payment, to Sonnie Badu” the NCG statement read.
No payment made
Confirming the position of the NCG, the management of Sonnie Badu, in a statement issued on Tuesday 21 June 2022, noted that the said allegation has come to their attention and they wish to debunk same.
“During the contractual agreement, Dr. Sonnie Badu and his team were informed by the organizers that, it was a charitable event to raise funds for the cathedral, hence the organizers will send him something to give to his team”.
“Management agreed to perform on these terms based on the patriotic nature of the event. The idea behind the invitation of the Artiste to sing, according to the organizers of the event was to raise awareness and solicit funds for the construction of the Cathedral back home” the statement read.
“On the said date of the event, Dr. Sonnie Badu performed with his team but we regret to mention that the organizers of the event disappeared and did not pay any amount as been alleged”.
“The management in the USA did not receive a dime and to date has not received any monies from the organizers”.
“Therefore, the team wishes to dissociate themselves and the International Act, Dr. Sonnie Badu from any National Cathedral funds reimbursement allegations” the management of Sonnie Badu further clarified in their statement.