Blame those supporting him – Afia Pokua descends on Captain Smart over Obuasi ‘massacre’ comment

Captain Smart [L] and Afia Pokua

Media personality Afia Pokua, also known as Vim Lady, has criticized Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, for his previous comments in which he allegedly incited the youth of Obuasi against AngloGold Ashanti (AGA). Captain Smart had accused the company of denying indigenous people their rights, with the alleged backing of the military.

In response to this, Afia Pokua stated that society should partially take responsibility for the behavior of journalists like Captain Smart, who receive praise even when they act irresponsibly. She emphasized that it was not just at TV3 that Captain Smart engaged in such conduct, but also at Adom, Angel, and Fox, where he gained support from the public. She pointed out that media consumers, by applauding such actions, have contributed to the situation.

“It is not on TV3 that Captain Smart started all these things. He did it at Adom, Angel, and Fox. We were clapping for him to the extent that other radio stations would tell you to be like Captain,” she said.

Afia Pokua further stated that the media industry itself is partly to blame, noting that the absence of proper regulations and laws has allowed the media to become chaotic. She also suggested that the media coalition shares some responsibility for this lack of proper oversight.

Her comments follow the tragic death of seven individuals in a confrontation between suspected illegal miners and state security officers at Obuasi, stationed at AngloGold Ashanti. On January 18, 2025, illegal miners attempted to breach the security at AGA’s concession in Obuasi, resulting in a violent clash with soldiers.

According to a release from Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces, approximately 60 illegal miners breached the security fence at the Cote D’or Ramp, with the intention of accessing the Deep Decline of the mines. In response, the soldiers on duty fired back in self-defense, as the illegal miners were armed with various weapons including locally made rifles, pump-action guns, and knives. The exchange of fire led to the deaths of seven illegal miners, with one other injured.

Following the incident, the president has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter. A statement from the president’s spokesperson, Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, expressed regret over the loss of lives, noting that the victims were reportedly illegal miners involved in the violent clash at the Obuasi mining site.

AM/KA

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