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Prominent broadcaster, Captain Smart has been suspended indefinitely by Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN), over what has been described as sustained criticism of President Nana Akufo-Addo, his Vice, Dr Mahamoud Bawumia and some government appointees.
Captain Smart’s suspension comes at a time when the country is said to be under a ‘Culture of Silence’ with widespread attacks on journalists and murder of same.
Disclosing the shocking news of Smart’s suspension, the President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe,
said that “some government officials have schemed to get Captain Smart, the host of Angel FM’s morning show off air temporarily”.
Captain Smart, according to Franklin Cudjoe has rattled the camp of some government officials who have used their influence to get him off radio albeit for a brief period.
The IMANI boss alleged in a social media post that the unknown government officials consider Captain Smart’s direct take on national issues as an attack on the government which is making it unpopular.
Franklin Cudjoe added that he was worried with the situation and that it did not send the right message about the government.
“Had a worrying conversation with Captain Smart moments ago. His boss has asked him to go off air for a while as a result of undue pressure that has been piled on him by ‘high ranking officials in government’.
“Captain Smart’s crime is that his usual critical commentary on national affairs, is making government unpopular. Really? I hope it is not some over zealous politicians who made those calls. Either way, it paints a gravely intolerant picture. #Fixitnow!,” Franklin Cudjoe posted on social media platforms.
Confirming the suspension of Captain Smart yesterday, General Manager of Angel Broadcasting Network, Kwadwo Dickson said the suspension had the approval of management and based on the decision taken by the Chief Executive Officer of ABN, Dr Kwaku Oteng.
He added that the CEO’s decision was because of Captain Smart’s constant attacks on government officials including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his vice, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia.
The ABN general manager in a video that went viral yesterday was seen claiming that the CEO has had several conversations with Captain Smart but the suspended broadcaster always returns on air to do as he pleases.
He said, “It’s true Captain Smart has been suspended by the Owner of Angel Broadcasting for talking against government officials like President Akufo-Addo and his vice, Dr Bawumia, Alan Kyeremanten…
“He (the CEO) advised him on several occasions but (Smart) refused to pay heed to his advice hence his suspension,” he said on a show on Angel FM.
Meanwhile, investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has given reasons why Captain smart has been suspended.
According to him, “It’s unknown how long he will be away. Management has not officially communicated this to the staff of the company.”
Also, “There have been complaints and pressure from some top government officials who are aggrieved by Captain Smart’s utterances on his show. Management of the station are concerned about how he sometimes attacks personalities, instead of staying on the issues he discusses. They yanked him off air after several warnings and the complaints/pressure from some aggrieved top officials,” he said in a Facebook post.
The suspension comes at a time when there are discussions about a growing culture of silence in the country.
The issue was brought to the fore by senior citizen Sam Jonah at a Rotary event two weeks ago.
“It appears to me that in recent times in our Fourth Republican dispensation, the courage to stand up for the truth and the determination to uphold the common good is lost. In our dark moments as a nation, it is concerning that the voices of the intellectuals are receding into oblivion. Sadly, it is a consequence of the deep partisan polarisation of our country such that everything is seen through the lenses of politics.”
“It appears to me that the culture of silence has returned. This time not enforced by legal and military power but through convenience, parochialism, hypocrisy, and a lack of conviction. Where are our Adu Boahens and PV Ansahs?” he said.