Radio and TV presenter Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has been released on bail hours after he was picked up by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
The Media General journalist was picked up by operatives of the NIB on the evening of Wednesday, October 19, 2022, as he went home from work.
His car was allegedly crossed by the operatives in traffic and then whisked away.
The journalist was subsequently interrogated in the presence of some senior officials of Media General.
It is unclear why he has been detained by the intelligence agency.
On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, the government, through a statement from the Ministry of Information, threatened to sue the journalist for alleging in a video published and circulated by Onua TV on October 17, 2022, that President Akufo-Addo was actively involved in illegal mining activities.
The publication, according to the statement signed by Deputy Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar, impugns the character and integrity of the president, as well as the credibility and commitment of his fight against illegal and irresponsible mining.
In response to the content of the said video, the government stated that:
i. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has never been and is not involved in galamsey;
ii. The content propagated in the video is false, malicious, and without basis. It is nothing but an act of unethical and irresponsible journalism;
iii. The video is intended to court disaffection for the government and undermine efforts to fight illegal mining in the country; and
iv. Government’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining is unwavering.
The statement disclosed that the government had decided to refer the matter to the National Media Commission for review and adjudication.
“It is, however, imperative to note that the aforementioned action is without prejudice to the government’s right to seek further legal action against Mr Smart, Onua TV and Media General,” the statement added.
The government further noted that it is “concerned about the spread of disinformation and misinformation, clothed under the pretext of journalistic discretion and free expression, and 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”.
