Roads and Highways Minister Alhaji Inusah Fuseini did not pay a pesewa for a performance by Dancehall musician Shatta Wale at his campaign launch in Tamale, an aide has said.

Hamza Suhuyini said media reports that the Tamale Central Member of Parliament paid the musician GHC80,000 ($20,000) for the performance are complete fabrications.

He said Mr. Fuseini is considering legal action against the Daily Guide newspaper which carried the story.

Mr. Suhuyini told Joy FM's Super Morning Show Monday that the Minister's lawyers are meeting to take a decision on the 'poor publication'.

According to the newspaper report published Monday, after learning of the claims, furious youths temporarily seized the vehicle of the 54-year old Minister who is seeking re-election as Member of Parliament for the Tamale Central constituency for the third time.

The youth were reportedly angry that despite worrying unemployment levels, the minister could pay such a huge amount for a few hours' performance.

Responding to the allegations, the minister's spokesperson said Shatta Wale was not 'paid a dime' 'not even a single pesewa'.

Shatta Wale's appearance on stage last Sunday, he said, was down to the minister's 'outstanding' relationship with entertainers.

Photo: Alhaji Inusah Fuseini

The minister also has realtionship with the likes of Bukom Banku, Mr. Beautiful (both of whom have declared support for and are campaigning for President John Mahama) and Obour, MUSIGA President, Hamza Suhuyini revealed.

According to the Minister's spokesperson, Shata Walle was only called in to perform after it was realised that some members of the MP's campaign team are also members of the award-winning artiste's management team.

In that case, it was easy to rope in the popular artiste, Hamza continued.

He expressed disappointment that the Daily Guide failed to get the side Shatta Wale or the minister. "These things are easy to cross-check" the spokesperson said.

The Daily Guide report said the Minister was contacted but he denied the story.

Pointing fingers at the opposition NPP, Hamza urged the public to 'read in between the lines'. He said the NPP and its rented media has targeted 'hardworking' ministers who are shields around President Mahama's government.

If the NPP is able to bring down these ministers, "it will become easier to attack the president" as the December 7 general elections beckons.