The President’s Request: Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy Share Historic Hug | Discuss Ghana

In what has been described as the "ultimate moment of national unity," dancehall icons Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy shared a rare on-stage embrace on Friday evening, March 20, 2026, at the Black Stars World Cup Fundraising Gala.

The event, held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, was aimed at mobilizing support for Ghana's 2026 World Cup campaign. The reconciliation moment was not planned but came at the direct request of President John Dramani Mahama, who was seated among the dignitaries.

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How the Moment Unfolded

The atmosphere in the auditorium shifted from excitement to anticipation as the evening's hosts, Berla Mundi and Nathaniel Attoh, relayed a message from the front row:

The Presidential Directive: Berla Mundi addressed the two stars, saying, "Mr. President says that Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale should hug on stage at this moment. This is a request from Mr. President... I'm not the one asking for it".

A Hesitant Start: Having been fierce rivals since their 2019 VGMA clash, both artists appeared momentarily hesitant as the spotlight remained fixed on them.

The Embrace: Encouraged by cheers from the audience and a smiling President Mahama, the two finally stepped forward, exchanged a brief hug, and patted each other on the back.

The Salute: Following the hug, they both turned to the President and the National Chief Imam and offered a formal salute, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.

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Symbolic Unity for the "National Reset"

The hug has been hailed by government officials and fans alike as a symbol of the "National Reset" agenda, which prioritizes unity and peace across all sectors:

A "Unifying Force": Minister for Sports Kofi Adams remarked that only football could have brought such a moment to life, stating, "This is the power of the Black Stars; it unites even the most divided among us".

Corporate Confidence: Business leaders at the gala noted that the display of unity among the country's most influential cultural icons could help boost corporate interest in the World Cup fundraising raffle.

The "Kiss" Rumor: Some social media reports and early viral clips from the launch event at the Ministry of Finance (March 17) also claimed Stonebwoy showed "extra love" by kissing Shatta Wale on the cheek, further signaling a significant thaw in their relationship.

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World Cup Raffle: Join the Push

Following this historic moment, the fundraising committee has seen a surge in raffle entries:

To Enter: Dial *899# on all networks.

The Prize: Every ticket gives fans a chance to win fully sponsored trips to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to watch the Black Stars live.

"This is not just a hug for the cameras; it is a hug for Ghana. When our stars are united, the nation is unstoppable." — Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, Chairman of the World Cup Fundraising Committee.