I never insulted Akufo-Addo – Captain Smart

Radio host Captain Smart has refuted accusations of insulting government officials after being taken off air from hosting Angel FM’s flagship Anopa Bɔfoɔ Morning Show on Thursday, May 5.

Blessed Godsbrain Smart recounted events that led to his one-month suspension, insisting that his criticisms were not verbal attacks against Akufo-Addo’s government.

According to him, his suspension letter signed by the owner of the station Dr Kwaku Oteng directed him to go off-air for using harsh words against President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Bonauh.

In an interview on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana, he said: “Well, the letter (suspension letter) says that I have been too hard on Nana Addo, the Vice President… They said I have been using some harsh words on the President, the Vice President, and then the IGP and that he’s called me on several occasions to stop those things. I am not stopping, and for that month, I should proceed on suspension for one month”.

He said per the letter, he is to resume work on June 4, 2021.

According to him, the sanctions imposed on him by his employees would not stop him from demanding accountability.

“I am not afraid. I am not worried, I am not perturbed, I am not disturbed, I am a happy man, I am enjoying my family and the 30 days they say I should stay home, thank God-man,” he added.

Captain Smart’s criticisms follow heavy pressure from the public on social media for government to address developmental challenges.

#Fixthecountrynow has been trending for days over tax hikes, economic hardship and underdevelopment.

Captain Smart has been an employee of the radio station barely a year after quitting Adom FM.

He has a history of controversies as he faced a similar suspension at Adom FM for criticising management.

He was reported to have chastised management for failing to replace even “common faulty bulbs” in the station’s studios.

Discussions over the suspension have dominated social media, topping Tweeter trends for days.

Social media users argue that the development reinforces the culture of silencing people who demand accountability.