Gospel musician Grace Ashly says World Cup qualification periods bring financial pressure, as many people assume she earns money from her association with the Black Stars and frequently ask her for financial assistance.
The gospel singer insists she has never been paid by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the patriotic songs she composed to support the national team over the years.
She maintains that her support for the Black Stars is driven by patriotism, not profit, stressing that the only reward she received was praise and recognition for her efforts.
Speaking on Joy FM, the singer said each World Cup qualification campaign often comes with increased requests for money from friends, acquaintances and members of the public who believe she has profited from her support for the Black Stars.
According to Grace Ashly, people often regard such periods as her personal “cocoa season”, assuming she has received substantial financial rewards because of the patriotic songs she has recorded for the national team over the years.
She said; “Anytime the Black Stars qualify for the World Cup, that is when people start asking me for financial help. I’m a celebrity, so people depend on me. Around that time, many assume I have made money and come asking for assistance.”
The gospel artiste, who became known for composing motivational songs in support of the Black Stars during major international tournaments, reiterated that she has never benefited financially from those efforts.
She recalled a previous interview in 2018, where she disclosed that despite producing several songs for the national team, she was never paid by the Ghana Football Association (GFA). According to her, the only reward she received was verbal appreciation for her contribution.
Grace Ashly explained that her commitment to supporting the Black Stars has always been motivated by patriotism rather than financial gain.
