Tuesday, February 11, 2025
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Obuasi tragedy: Ogyaba slams Captain Smart over inciteful video, calls for action against him

Addo Yaw Harry, the NPP Western North Regional Communication Director, has called for urgent accountability and a renewed commitment to media ethics following the recent Obuasi tragedy.

The incident, which involved clashes between youth and a security taskforce at the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) mining site, resulted in fatalities and injuries, sparking nationwide concern.

Central to the controversy is a video of media personality Captain Smart, in which he allegedly incited youth to invade the mining site and take matters into their own hands.

In a Facebook broadcast on Monday, January 20, 2025, Captain Smart clarified that the video in question was recorded in 2023, but he implicitly acknowledged that the content originated from him.

In a Facebook posted cited by Sefwinews, Addo Yaw Harry emphasized that the timing of the video’s recording is irrelevant compared to its content and impact.

“Whether the video was recorded in 2023 or yesterday, its availability and message remain dangerous. Words have power, and when wielded irresponsibly, they can lead to devastating consequences, as we have seen in Obuasi.”

Harry urged media regulatory bodies such as the National Media Commission (NMC) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to take a stand.

“It is not enough to issue reminders about media ethics. We need proactive measures, enforcement of accountability standards, and public condemnation of such unprofessional conduct,” he said.

In a strong statement, Addo Yaw Harry urged the Ghana Police Service to investigate Captain Smart’s role in inciting the Obuasi tragedy. He insisted that the defense of the video’s age does not absolve the media personality of responsibility.

“The content of that video is accessible and influential. It incited action, and that action cost lives. Accountability is non-negotiable,” Harry stressed.

Addo Yaw Harry reiterated the immense influence of the media, emphasizing its role in promoting peace and development.

“This incident should be a wake-up call for all media practitioners to recommit to ethical journalism. The media should build, not destroy,” he said.

Below is the full release

THE DANGEROUS POWER OF WORDS: CAPTAIN SMART’S VIDEO AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF MEDIA INFLUENCE

The recent Obuasi tragedy, where youth clashed with a security taskforce at the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) mining site, leading to the loss of lives, has reignited a critical conversation about the responsibility of journalists and media personalities. At the center of this discussion is a video of Captain Smart, in which he incited the youth to act against AGA.

In his Facebook Telecast toady, Captain Smart has clarified that the circulating video was a live TV program recorded in 2023, he has also implicitly accepted that the content of the video originated from him.

This raises an important question: does the date of the video matter, or should our focus be on the content and its impact? The answer lies in the undeniable power of media content, regardless of its age, to influence and incite actions.

WAS THE CONTENT OF THE VIDEO PERSUASIVE OR INCITEFUL?

The answer is unequivocal, the message was inciteful. In the video, Captain Smart encouraged the youth to invade the mining site, take what they want, and fight for their rights. Such statements go beyond the bounds of ethical journalism and stray into dangerous territory, where words have the power to inspire harmful actions.

Even if the video was created in 2023, the fact that it remains accessible on social media platforms makes it relevant and impactful today. Any youth who watches this inciteful video can be swayed by its message, potentially leading to actions like those witnessed in Obuasi. The resulting deaths and injuries are a stark reminder of the real world consequences of irresponsible media conduct and irresponsible journalism.

ETHICAL VIOLATIONS IN JOURNALISM AS WE WERE TAUGHT IN SCHOOL

Captain Smart’s actions breach several principles outlined in the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Code of Ethics and general media laws:

1. Accuracy and Fairness

Journalists are required to present facts accurately and avoid statements that could be misleading or inflammatory. Encouraging illegal activities violates this principle.

2. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Media practitioners must prioritize the well being of society and avoid content that could incite violence or unrest.

3. PROFESSIONAL INTERGRITY:

The use of a public platform to incite unlawful acts undermines the integrity of the profession and erodes public trust in the media.

The National Media Commission (NMC) and organizations like the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) have repeatedly emphasized the role of the media in promoting peace and national development. Captain Smart’s comments contradict these objectives, making it imperative for the media community to condemn such conduct.

CALLING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

I urge the Ghana Police Service to investigate Captain Smart’s role in inciting the Obuasi incident. His defense that the video is old, does not absolve him of responsibility. The content remains accessible and influential, and the timing of its creation does not diminish its capacity to incite violence.

Furthermore, I call on the Media Foundation for West Africa, the GJA, and other media regulatory bodies to publicly condemn this unprofessional act. They must take proactive measures to educate journalists on their ethical responsibilities and enforce stricter accountability standards.

CONCLUSION

As media practitioners and public relations professionals, we must uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility in our work. Captain Smart’s video is a cautionary tale about the power of words and the far-reaching consequences of irresponsible journalism. Let this serve as a wake-up call for the media industry to reaffirm its commitment to ethical practices and societal well-being.

The media wields immense influence, let us use it to build, not destroy.

Your Fellow Public Relations Practitioner,

Addo Yaw Harry, NPP Western North Regional Communication Director

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