Captain Smart caged by police, NMC condemns his ‘insurrection’ remarks

The Nima Division of the Ghana Police Service has arrested Onua FM morning show host Captain Smart for making “unsavoury pronouncements” on his show on Thursday, 2 December 2021.
He is being held in the custody of the police to assist with investigations, according to a statement from the police administration signed by DSP Juliana Obeng.

Meanwhile, the National Media Commission (NMC) has warned the Accra-based station to “take steps to bring your content unto a level of professional acceptability” following “calls for an insurrection against the state of Ghana and its institutions” by Captain Smart.

A letter signed by the Executive Secretary of the NMC, Mr George Sarpong, dated Thursday, 2 December 2021, and addressed to the company’s CEO, condemned Captain Smart’s comments as “unprofessional” and “inciteful” broadcasting.

“Part of your broadcast raises concern for the peace and security of the country in a manner that demands immediate regulatory action”, the statement which is reproduced in full below, said.

December 2, 2021

The Chief Executive Officer

Onua Fm

Accra

UNPROFESSIONAL AND INCITEFUL BROADCAST

Part of your broadcast raises concern for the peace and security of the country in a manner that demands immediate regulatory action.

We are particularly concerned about a recent broadcast in which “Captain Smart” calls for insurrection against the state of Ghana and its institutions.

This, by all standards, crosses the line of robust and critical broadcasting and transforms your radio station into a megaphone of war.

While that particular broadcast, without more, constitutes adequate grounds for regulatory action, we still retain the belief that given the chance, management could take steps to bring your content unto a level of professional acceptability. We are fortified in this belief by the fact that considerable parts of your other broadcast, including the news, offer that hope.

We would be glad if you noted that exercising the required professional caution is in your interest.

Yours faithfully,

George Sarpong

Executive Secretary

Cc: 1. The President

Ghana Journalists’ Association

Accra

2. The President Ghana Independent Broadcasters’ Association

Accra

3. The President

Private Newspaper Publishers’ Association Accra

4. The media

Source: africaneditors.com