Captain Smart Arrested Again!
The Morning Show host of Onua TV/FM, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has been picked up by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), previously called Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).
The vociferous broadcaster was reportedly picked up yesterday Wednesday, October 19, while on his way home from work.
Initially, he was said to have been taken to the regional office of the NIB, located at Kawukudi, near Mamobi, Accra, but was later whisked away by unmarked vehicles.
As at the time of going to press last night, it was unclear where the broadcaster was being kept, with report of his employers, Media General,frantically searching to locate him, The Anchor gathered.
Though details about his latest arrest are sketchy, it is believed that he was picked in connection with his recent accusation against the President of the Republic about his alleged involvement in illegal mining, otherwise called ‘galamsey.’
Captain Smart, in a video published and circulated by Onua TV on October 17, 2022, claimed that President Akufo-Addo is actively involved in illegal mining.
This publication, according to a statement issued by the Information Ministry, signed by the Deputy Minister, Fatimatu Abubakar, impugns the character and integrity of the President, and the credibility and commitment of his fight against illegal and irresponsible mining.
In response to the content of the said video, the government stated emphatically that:
- President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has never been and is not involved in galamsey;
- The content propagated in the video is false, malicious and without basis. It is nothing but an act of unethical and irresponsible journalism;
iii. The video is intended to court disaffection for government and undermine efforts to fight illegal mining in the country; and
- Government’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining is unwavering.
The statement disclosed that the Government has decided to refer the matter to the National Media Commission for review and adjudication.
“It is, however, imperative to note that the aforementioned action is without prejudice to government’s right to seek further legal action against Mr. Smart, Onua TV and Media General,” it added.
The government further noted that it is concerned about the spread of disinformation and misinformation, clothed under the pretext of journalistic discretion and free expression, and will continue to hold Media General in high esteem and urge them not to compromise their standards for validating information, ethical practice, and avoiding conjecture in presentation of facts.
Previous Arrest
This is not the first time the journalist has been arrested. In December last year, the broadcaster was arrested by the Nima Divisional Police Command over certain comments he reportedly made on his show.
A statement from the Ghana Police Service at the time said Captain Smart was arrested for making “some unsavoury pronouncements that hinge on peace and security.”.
A separate statement from the National Media Commission (NMC) said Captain Smart called for “insurrection against the state of Ghana and its institutions” in a recent broadcast on Accra-based Onua FM.
Captain Smart has been cautioned on the offence of offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace as provided under section 2017 of the Criminal Act, 1960 (Act 29), according to a statement from the Ghana Police Service.
The police said he is in their custody, assisting with the investigations.
Captain Smart was employed by Onua TV/FM, after resigning from Angel TV, while on suspension regarding how he carried out his work there.
Source: Anchorghana
