The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed strong disapproval over Captain Smart’s recent comments on his Onua TV show, labeling them as unprofessional and inflammatory.
During the broadcast, Captain Smart stated that only individuals with mental health issues would vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7th elections. “This is an administration that we have to vote against. Only someone who is not mentally sound will vote for NPP this time,” he declared, sparking widespread criticism.
GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, condemned Captain Smart’s remarks in a recent speech, urging his employers to take action to uphold media ethics. “Over the weekend, we heard the disturbed and reckless comment of our very own colleague, Blessed Godwin Smart, made on Accra-based Onua TV,” he stated.
Mr. Dwumfour emphasized the severity of Captain Smart’s utterances, highlighting the ethical breach involved. “Given the severity of his utterances and the ethical breach, we call on the board and management of Media General to take immediate action to mete out appropriate sanctions to Mr. Smart,” he said in a video.
Captain Smart has responded, accusing the GJA president of being on the NPP’s payroll and claiming they campaigned together for the party in 2016. In a video, Captain Smart dismissed the GJA president’s criticism, calling it a bluff.
The GJA president concluded his speech by stressing the importance of enforcing professional standards in journalism. “This will not only serve as a deterrence to others but will enhance public confidence in media organisations that detest unprofessional conduct,” Mr. Dwumfour said.
