Government set to drag Captain Smart to National Media Commission
Media General’s broadcaster, Godsbrain Smart popularly known as Captain Smart has been threatened with a lawsuit by the government for allegedly accusing the president of illegal mining.
The government in response to a video titled “Nana Addo is actively involved in galamsey -Captain” published by Onua TV on October 17, 2022 alleged that “President Akufo-Addo is actively involved in galamsey activities”. The statement continued to say that the “publication imgugns the character and integrity of the President, and the credibility and and commitment of his fight against illegal and irresponsible mining”.
Signed by Fatima Abubakar, a deputy Minister of Information, the statement said that “Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has never been and is not involved in galamsey,” adding that “The content propagated in the video is false, malicious and without basis. It is nothing but an act of unethical and irresponsible journalism”.
It noted that the action is without prejudice to seek legal redress against Captin Smart and Onua TV and Media General.
Mr Smart has also been accused of practising unethical and irresponsible journalism to cause disaffection among the populace and dwindle government efforts at battling illegal mining.
The government, however, expressed worry about journalists using the media to disinform and misinform the people under the guise of journalistic discretion and free expression.
Despite the public criticism of the government’s slow efforts at stopping illegal mining, the government insist that it is committed to fighting the canker.
