Onua TV Denies Captain Smart’s Resignation Amidst Regulatory Scrutiny

Contrary to earlier reports, Onua TV, a member of the Media General group, has refuted claims that its morning show host, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, widely known as Captain Smart, has resigned. The confusion arose from Captain Smart’s apparent announcement during the Monday, November 20, 2023 edition of the Onua Maakye program, where he humorously hinted at leaving. Onua TV took to its Facebook page to clarify that the reports of resignation were false.

Meanwhile, the National Media Commission (NMC) issued a final warning to Captain Smart and Onua radio/TV over a broadcast that the regulatory body deemed inciteful. In a statement released on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, George Sarpong, the Executive Secretary of the NMC, criticized the broadcast as dangerous and unprofessional. The NMC specifically addressed Captain Smart’s derogatory remarks towards the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), denouncing his characterization of them as “beasts.”

Captain Smart also faced scrutiny for alleging embezzlement by the officers, claiming misappropriation of funds intended for soldiers on peacekeeping operations. The NMC expressed concern over the station’s persistence in promoting violence against the state, despite previous warnings issued in December 2022. The commission highlighted Onua Radio/TV’s use of the station to propagate violence and criticized the management’s inability to address the issue effectively.

Emphasizing the need for Onua Radio/TV to implement measures to sanitize its broadcasts and improve regulatory compliance, the NMC demanded an apology from the station to the CDS and his commanders for the insults. Additionally, the NMC called for an apology to the Ghanaian public for the use of vulgar language. Onua Radio/TV was given until November 19, 2023, to undertake the recommended actions and provide evidence of compliance, with potential consequences for non-compliance. The situation remains dynamic, with Captain Smart’s status and the fate of Onua Radio/TV subject to ongoing developments and regulatory decisions.