Ghanaian journalist Afia Pokua, also known as Vim Lady, has recently called out both the media and the public for allegedly enabling what she describes as Captain Smart’s unprofessional behavior. Vim Lady criticized the undue attention given to Captain Smart by the media and the public’s support, which she believes has emboldened him to misuse Ghana’s freedom of speech. She accused him of launching verbal attacks on politicians and public figures while inciting the youth to engage in disruptive actions.
In a recent video, Vim Lady emphasized that the problem lies not only with Captain Smart but also with the media that gives him airtime and the public that hypes him up. She expressed concern that this culture of “over-pampering” has fostered a sense of entitlement in Captain Smart, allowing him to push boundaries and make controversial statements under the guise of holding politicians accountable.
Furthermore, Vim Lady raised the issue of the National Media Commission’s failure to address Captain Smart’s behavior, highlighting the potential threat to national security. She stressed that freedom of speech does not equate to the freedom to attack anyone without facts or regard for the implications.
The controversy surrounding Captain Smart intensified following a resurfaced video in which he appears to direct the youth in Obuasi to enter the AngloGold Ashanti mines. Despite denying these allegations, the backlash against Captain Smart has reignited a broader debate on the responsibilities of journalists and the boundaries of free speech in Ghana.
The resurfaced video came in the aftermath of a fatal clash between suspected illegal miners and military personnel at AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine, resulting in eight fatalities. Reports indicated that a group of armed illegal miners breached the mine’s security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area.
In the 36-second clip, Captain Smart can be seen hosting a program on Accra-based Onua FM, urging the youth to invade the mine and “fight for their livelihoods.” He also warned that Ghanaians might be compelled to expel AngloGold Ashanti from the country.
The ongoing debate surrounding Captain Smart’s actions serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the need to uphold ethical standards in the media industry. As the public continues to scrutinize the role of journalists in shaping public discourse, it is crucial to strike a balance between freedom of speech and accountability.
