Vim Lady ‘gives it’ to Captain Smart ‘wotowoto’ over reckless journalism after Obuasi tragedy

Broadcast journalist Afia Pokua, known as Vim Lady, has aimed shots at her colleague Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly called Captain Smart, over what she describes as his reckless approach to journalism.

Speaking on her Gyaso Gyaso program on Okay FM, monitored by MyNewsGh, Vim Lady questioned Captain Smart’s credibility, accusing him of prioritizing sensationalism over journalistic ethics.

Her remarks followed Captain Smart’s statement several months ago, urging the youth of Obuasi to confront AngloGold Ashanti and claim what he called their “rightful possessions.”

This controversial statement resurfaced after a violent confrontation at the mining site led to the deaths of eight individuals, raising concerns about the role of media rhetoric in inciting unrest.

Vim Lady highlighted what she sees as a longstanding pattern in Captain Smart’s career. According to her, his style, now flourishing at Onua TV, a subsidiary of Media General, did not emerge overnight but has roots in his earlier stints at Fox FM, Angel FM, and Adom FM, where he frequently used confrontational tactics against politicians.

She lamented how this approach has been applauded rather than scrutinized, with some station managers even encouraging their presenters to emulate it.

Calling for a shift, Vim Lady stressed that freedom of speech does not grant a license to incite or distort facts. She urged media practitioners to embrace ethical journalism rooted in truth and devoid of bias or sensationalism and called out the media’s silence in holding Captain Smart accountable.

“Our microphones are powerful tools,” she said passionately. “Let’s use them responsibly, to build rather than destroy.”

This debate is set against the tragic backdrop of events on January 18, 2025, when around 60 illegal miners breached the security perimeter of AngloGold Ashanti in Obuasi.

Their attempt to access the Cote D’or Ramp and the mine’s Deep Decline was resisted by military personnel under Operation HALT II. A violent clash ensued after the miners reportedly opened fire, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals.

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