Civil Society Organization Advocacy for Citizens Ghana (ACG) is calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Ghana Police Service to immediately arrest Captain Smart of Onua TV for his role in instigating the unlawful events at Obuasi AngloGold.
These events tragically resulted in the deaths of eight individuals on January 18, 2025, as widely reported in the media.
ACG’s call stems from Captain Smart’s irresponsible statements made during his morning show, as well as a video widely circulated on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. In the video, Captain Smart is seen inciting individuals, including alleged NDC supporters, to unlawfully enter the AngloGold mining concession with the assertion that “this country is for everybody.” ACG strongly believes that his reckless comments directly fueled the actions of those who trespassed on AngloGold property, leading to the tragic loss of lives.
While President John Dramani Mahama has called for an investigation into the matter, and the Ghana Armed Forces have issued a detailed account of the events, ACG firmly asserts that Captain Smart’s actions are a violation of media ethics and a major contributing factor to the unlawful and reckless behavior that led to this tragedy.
In light of these events, ACG is deeply concerned about the increasing acts of hooliganism perpetrated by supporters of the ruling government under the pretense of political authority. It is troubling that President Mahama has yet to publicly condemn such actions or instruct his party members and supporters to act responsibly.
ACG, therefore, calls on His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to take responsibility and ensure that order is restored. They also urge the IGP and the Ghana Police Service to take immediate action to curb the growing insecurity and lawlessness in the country.
Since the declaration of President Mahama’s victory in the recent elections, there has been a worrying rise in acts of vandalism, including the burning of police stations, seizure of state offices, destruction of property, and unlawful invasions. The Ghana Police Service, led by the IGP, must act decisively to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of these unlawful acts, regardless of political affiliation.
Furthermore, ACG expresses disappointment in the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) and the Media Commission for their silence on this matter. Captain Smart’s conduct is a clear violation of media ethics, and their failure to hold him accountable raises serious concerns about their commitment to upholding professional standards. ACG urges the Media Commission and the GJA to reprimand Captain Smart for his incitement and take necessary actions, including considering the closure of Onua TV, to serve as a deterrent to other media practitioners.
ACG also calls on the management of Media General to immediately terminate Captain Smart’s employment. His repeated unprofessional conduct has not only caused the tragic deaths of eight individuals but has also tarnished the reputation of the organization.
In conclusion, ACG demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of Captain Smart for his reckless and inciteful statements, which directly led to the unlawful assembly and subsequent loss of lives at AngloGold.
Failure to address this will set a dangerous precedent and embolden irresponsible journalism in the future.
