The Advocacy for Citizens Ghana (ACG) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Ghana Police Service to immediately arrest journalist Captain Smart of Onua TV for allegedly inciting unlawful actions that led to the deaths of eight individuals at AngloGold’s Obuasi concession on January 18, 2025, in the Ashanti Region.

In a statement issued by its Communication Directorate led by  Frederick Boahene, the group accused Captain Smart of making inciteful remarks during his morning show and in a widely circulated video on social media, where he allegedly encouraged individuals, including supposed National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters, to trespass on the AngloGold mining site.

According to ACG, Captain Smart was heard in the video claiming that "this country is for everybody," which they believe incited illegal entry into the mining concession and led to violent clashes.

While President John Dramani Mahama has already called for an investigation, and the Ghana Armed Forces has issued an official report on the incident, the advocacy group insists that Captain Smart’s comments directly contributed to the unrest.

ACG also expressed concern over the rise in vandalism and lawlessness following President Mahama’s election victory, citing cases of police station burnings, destruction of property, and unauthorized seizures of state offices.

The group urged:

The IGP to take decisive action against all perpetrators, regardless of political affiliation. President Mahama to publicly condemn these acts and ensure order is restored. The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission to hold Captain Smart accountable for violating media ethics. Media General to terminate Captain Smart’s employment, citing his unprofessional conduct as a factor in the tragedy.

ACG insists that failing to arrest and prosecute Captain Smart would set a dangerous precedent and embolden reckless journalism in the country.

They further warned that if Onua TV is not sanctioned, other media houses may follow suit in broadcasting inflammatory content.

The group concluded by calling for swift justice to prevent future incidents of media-induced violence and to uphold the rule of law in Ghana.