Government has debunked claims on President Akufo-Addo being involved in galamsey.
According to the state, its attention has been drawn to a video published and circulated by Onua TV on October 17, 2022, titled ‘Nana Addo is actively involved in galamsey – Captain Smart’, in which one Godsbrain Smart alleges that President Akufo-Addo is actively involved in illegal mining activities.
To this end, government has referred the matter to the National Media Commission for review and adjudication.
“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.”
Information Ministry
Government indicated that the publication impugns the character and integrity of the President. It further noted that the content of the video maligns the credibility and commitment of the President’s fight against illegal and irresponsible mining.
Contained in a statement signed by Deputy Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, in response to the claims, it noted that President Akufo-Addo has never been and is not involved in galamsey.
Government debunks Captain Smart’s allegations
Additionally, it highlighted that the content propagated in the video is “false, malicious and without basis”, emphasizing that it is nothing but an act of “unethical and irresponsible” journalism.
“The video is intended to court disaffection for government and undermine efforts to fight illegal mining in the country. Government’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining is unwavering.”
Information Ministry
The release emphasized that government is concerned about the spread of disinformation and misinformation. It revealed that such information is “clothed under the pretext of journalistic discretion” and free expression. This, government explained, does not bode well for Ghana’s democracy.
“We 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.”
Information Ministry
Captain Smart has in the past been arrested by the police for what it describes as “unsavoury pronouncements”.
A police statement signed and issued by the Accra Regional Police Public Affairs Officer, DSP Juliana Obeng, stated that Captain Smart was cautioned on the offence of offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace as provided under section 207 of the Criminal Act, 1990 (Act 29).
On his arrest at the Nima Divisional Police Command in December last year, the National Media Commission (NMC) equally wrote to the management of Media General, complaining about their staff’s conduct and called on the management to institute proper gatekeeping mechanisms.
The NMC in the letter expressed concern about the inciteful broadcast by Captain Smart on Onua FM. It further stated that station’s broadcast by all standards, crosses the line of “robust and critical broadcasting and transforms your radio station into a megaphone of war”.
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