Sarkodie has explained why he did not spray cash on fans who welcomed him in Adum, the busy commercial heart of Kumasi, during his promotional tour for Rapperholic 2026.
According to a report by 3News, videos circulating on social media had questioned why the rapper did not throw money to the crowd, which many fans had expected.
Speaking to Tony Best on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi, Sarkodie addressed the criticism directly. "I saw videos of people saying I didn't spray cash," he said, according to 3News.
"Apparently, it's something we're not allowed to do by law," he explained, adding: "We're not supposed to treat the currency like that."
3News reports that his comments have prompted debate about how Ghana's currency should be handled at public events. The rapper did not name a specific law in the interview.
Spraying money, where people throw or shower banknotes on performers, celebrants or crowds, is a common practice at parties, weddings, funerals and concerts in parts of West Africa. In Ghana, however, the Bank of Ghana has repeatedly cautioned the public against practices that damage or misuse the cedi.
Earlier this month, Talk Talk reported that seven people were arrested over the use of cedi notes in money bouquets, as authorities moved to enforce rules against defacing or mishandling the currency. Sarkodie's comments suggest that public figures are becoming more aware of the issue.
In Nigeria, the Central Bank has also cracked down on the abuse of the naira, and several high-profile personalities have faced legal action over spraying money at events.
Sarkodie is in Kumasi as part of a media and community tour ahead of Rapperholic 2026, which takes place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday, October 24. The concert returns to Kumasi after last year's edition drew thousands of fans despite heavy rain.
The rapper has described Kumasi as his home base, and his visits to radio stations and public spaces in the city have drawn large crowds.
Central banks discourage spraying, stapling, writing on or otherwise damaging banknotes because it shortens the life of the notes and increases the cost of printing new ones. Damaged notes also become harder to use in everyday transactions. Many people at events now use alternatives, such as envelopes or mobile money transfers, to give cash gifts without handling the notes roughly.
Some fans expressed disappointment that the rapper did not spray money, saying it is a tradition when celebrities visit popular areas such as Adum. Others praised him for setting an example by respecting the law and the national currency.
The debate reflects a wider tension between cultural practices and the rules governing currency, which has become a talking point across Ghana's entertainment scene.
Adum is the central business district of Kumasi, known for its busy markets, shops and crowds. Celebrities often visit the area to connect with fans, and these "walks" regularly attract large gatherings and go viral on social media.
The area is also home to some of Kumasi's best-known landmarks and is a natural stop for artistes promoting shows in the city.
As one of Ghana's most influential artistes, Sarkodie's decisions are closely watched by fans. His choice to explain his position on air, rather than ignore the criticism, shows how seriously he takes his public image and his relationship with fans in Kumasi.
Fans will see him again on stage this weekend, when Rapperholic returns to Baba Yara for what is expected to be one of the biggest concerts of the year in Kumasi.
