Onua TV Refutes Claims of Morning Show Host Resignation Amidst Regulatory Storm
In a surprising twist of events, Onua TV, a prominent member of the Media General group, has categorically denied recent media reports suggesting the resignation of its popular morning show host, Blessed God’s Brain Smart, affectionately known as Captain Smart.
The speculation ignited after the Monday, November 20 edition of the flagship program, Onua Maakye, where Captain Smart playfully announced his departure, sending ripples of confusion among viewers who mistook the declaration for a genuine resignation.
However, amidst this speculation, it’s crucial to note that Captain Smart has been at the center of a storm with the National Media Commission (NMC). In a stern warning issued last week, the regulatory body expressed deep concern over an allegedly inciteful broadcast aired by Onua TV.
The NMC, in a statement signed by Executive Secretary George Sarpong on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, labeled the broadcast as both dangerous and unprofessional. The primary focus of their discontent was Captain Smart’s direct insults hurled at the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other high-ranking commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), whom he controversially referred to as “beasts.”
Not stopping at verbal affronts, Captain Smart went on to make severe allegations of embezzlement against these military officers, claiming they misappropriated funds intended for soldiers involved in peacekeeping operations. However, the controversial host failed to substantiate these claims with any credible evidence.
This recent admonition by the NMC is not the first for Onua TV. In December 2022, the regulatory body raised concerns about the station’s role in propagating violence and criticized the management’s apparent inability to address the issue effectively.
The NMC’s latest statement underscores the urgency for Onua TV to implement measures aimed at cleansing its broadcasts and enhancing its capacity for regulatory compliance. Additionally, the regulatory body has demanded a public apology from Onua TV to the CDS and the commanders insulted by Captain Smart, as well as an apology to the Ghanaian public for the use of vulgar language.
The NMC has set a deadline of November 19, 2023, for Onua TV to comply with the recommended actions and provide evidence of their commitment to reform. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences for the media outlet, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing saga between Onua TV and the National Media Commission.
