GJA And Three Other Media Organisations Summon Captain Smart Over His “Vertebrate Comments”
Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and its partner institutions have called out Blessed Godsbrain Smart aka Captain Smart for saying “People who will vote for NPP are beats”.
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The partners which include Private Newspaper and Online Publishers Association (PRINPAG), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) argue that Captain Smart’s comments breach the code of ethics of the profession.
At a news conference addressed by the GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour on Tuesday, the group called on the Board of the Media General to bring him to book to serve as a deterrent to others.
“Over the weekend, for example, we heard the disturbing and reckless comments of Blessed Godsbrain Smart aka ‘Captain Smart’, made on Accra-based Onua TV. He described them as ‘beasts,’ people who would vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December elections.
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 meet appropriate sanctions on Mr. Smart. This will not only serve as a deterrent to others but will enhance public confidence in the media organization, as an organization that detests unprofessional conduct”, Mr. Dwumfour emphasized.
It is important to note that this caution is not a gag on the right to free expression, given that there are decorous means and avenues for journalists and citizens to express their opinions loud and clear.
We remain resolute in our defense of media freedom and that requires us to also champion media professionalism.
May God bless our nation Ghana and continue to make her great and strong.
