Captain Smart, a well-known and controversial figure in Ghanaian journalism, has publicly responded to allegations that he incited violence among the youth in Obuasi against authorities and the AngloGold Ashanti mines. In a video he recorded himself, Captain Smart strongly refuted these claims, asserting that he did not encourage any violent or unlawful actions.
He clarified that the video in question, which critics have linked to the recent disturbances in Obuasi, was actually filmed in 2023. Captain Smart emphasized that his statements were misconstrued and had no bearing on the recent violent encounters between suspected illegal miners and the Ghana Armed Forces in the region.
“I know I’m the king of the media, and my words go far, but I didn’t in any way encourage the youth in Obuasi to engage in violence,” Captain Smart stated, defending his position and influence in media.
The response from Captain Smart comes amid significant backlash on social media platforms where many have criticized his broadcast style. Benjamin Effah Amponsah, among others, has raised concerns about the historical precedent of journalism inciting violence, referencing the Rwandan civil war and questioning the role of Captain Smart’s words in the recent Obuasi violence. Similarly, Charlotte Nicole has pointed out what she perceives as a degradation of journalistic standards, accusing Captain Smart of promoting discord under the guise of free speech.
Captain Smart has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video in which he appears to direct the youth in Obuasi to enter the AngloGold Ashanti mines.
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) January 21, 2025
He clarified that the video in question is from 2023 and not recent, adding that he owes no explanation to anyone… pic.twitter.com/pHU1peoe2z
Captain Smart acknowledged his influential role in the media but urged for an objective analysis of the Obuasi situation, distancing his previous remarks from the current unrest. He advocated for critics to look beyond the clip from 2023 and not to attribute the ongoing conflicts to his past statements.