Government has referred Onua TV and its morning show host Captain Smart to the National Media Commission (NMC) after the latter claimed the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is involved in illegal mining notoriously referred to as galamsey.

A video was published and circulated by Onua TV on Monday October 17, 2022, titled ‘Nana Addo is actively involved in galamsey – Captain Smart’, in which Godsbrain Smart, alleged President Akufo-Addo is actively involved in illegal mining activities.

A statement by the Ministry of Information and signed by Deputy Minister Fatimatu Abubakar said the publication impugns the character and integrity of the President, and the credibility and commitment of his fight against illegal and irresponsible mining.

“In response to the content of the said video, government states emphatically that:

The President of the Republic, H.E Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo has never been and is not involved in galamsey;

The content propagated in the video is false, malicious and without basis. It is nothing but an act of unethical and irresponsible journalism;

The video is intended to court disaffection for government and undermine efforts to fight illegal mining in the country; and

Government’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining is unwavering,” the statement said.

 The Minister expressed concern about the spread of disinformation and misinformation clothed under the pretext of journalistic discretion and free expression.

This, she said, does not bode well for Ghana’s democracy.

She assured the government will continue to hold Media General, owners and employers of Onua TV and Captain Smart in high esteem and urge them not to compromise their standards for validating information, ethical practice, and avoiding conjecture in presentation of facts.

She noted, however, that besides this action, government reserves the right to seek further legal action against Mr. Smart, Onua TV and Media General.