The Morning Show Host of Onua TV, a subsidiary of Media General, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, (Captain Smart) has alleged that some members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) received a sum of two hundred and thirteen thousand Ghana cedis (GHC213,000.00) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to sabotage him.
Captain Smart in an interview with Accra FM stated that the recent press conference organized by the group was an order from the ruling government.
“GJA received 213,000 GHC from NPP to organize a press against me . Journalists must speak the truth and stop shielding others because of their personal benefits. It is about time we all come together to say enough is enough. I will advise GJA to donate part of the money to orphanage,” he added.
During a session on his show, Captain Smart cautioned Ghanaians against voting for the NPP in the upcoming December polls.
“This is an administration that must be voted against, it is only people who are not in their right senses that will vote for them again”.
Captain Smart, renowned for his outspoken nature, labeled such individuals as “senseless” and stressed the importance of not granting the party another opportunity.
In response to the presenter’s caution, the GJA convened a press conference to address what they considered an ethical breach on his part.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday (16 July), the president of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said, “Over the weekend, for example, we heard the disturbing and reckless comments of Blessed Godsbrain Smart aka ‘Captain Smart‘, made on Accra-basedOnuaTV. He described them as ‘beasts, people who would vote for the NPP in the December elections.”
Dwumfour said, “Given the severity of his utterances and the ethical breach, we call on the board and management of Media General, to take immediate action to mete out appropriate sanctions to Mr. Smart. This will not only serve as a deterrent to others but will enhance public confidence in the media organisation, as an organisation that detest unprofessional conduct.”
He stressed that while it is crucial to hold leaders and the government accountable, this should not be conflated with spreading hate speech and personal insults.
The GJA president also urged journalists to adhere to the core principles of their profession to prevent unnecessary turmoil in the country.
He advised all journalists, media practitioners, and media organizations to be mindful of their statements and reporting to avoid pushing the country towards violence and its potential repercussions.
Discussion about this post