Captain Smart of the Media General Group has been released from the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). The broadcaster, who has become a major critic of the Akufo-Addo Government was arrested Wednesday afternoon after work and released at night.
On October 17, 2022, Government in a statement lashed at the broadcaster for accusing President Akufo-Addo of being involved in illegal mining and calling his fight against the menace a sham.
In response to the content of a video published and circulated by Onua TV on October 17, 2022, titled “Nana Addo is actively involved in galamsey” and attributed to Captain Smart, the Government’s statement condemned the claims made by the Journalist insisting the President has never been and is not involved in galamsey.
The Statement notes that the content propagated in the video is false, malicious and without basis. It is nothing but an act of unethical and irresponsible journalism, intended to court disaffection for Government and undermine efforts to fight illegal mining in the country.
It further stated that Government is disquieted by the spread of disinformation and misinformation, clothed under the pretext of journalistic discretion and free expression, adding that it does not bode well for democracy. The statement nonetheless concludes that Government 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 the presentation of facts.