Don't lose your respect for eyeballs — Manasseh Azure tells Media General 

Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has cautioned Media General, the parent company of Onua TV, against irresponsible journalism following recent events in Obuasi.

In a social media post dated Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Awuni stated, “Dear Media General, irresponsible journalism can undermine media freedom. Don’t lose your respect for eyeballs.”

This admonition comes in the wake of allegations against Onua TV presenter Captain Smart, who is accused of inciting violence in Obuasi.

A circulating video purportedly shows Captain Smart urging the youth of Obuasi to take action against AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), the mining company operating in the area.

In the video, he is heard saying, “Ghanaian youth in Obuasi, go to the mine. Attack the mine and take what you want so that when you get hungry, you get something to eat.”

Subsequently, a violent confrontation occurred at the AGA mine, resulting in the deaths of nine illegal miners and injuries to several others.

Critics have linked Captain Smart’s comments to the escalation of tensions leading to this tragic incident.

In his defense, Captain Smart has refuted claims that his remarks incited the violence, asserting that his statements were taken out of context.

He emphasized that his intention was to highlight the socio-economic challenges faced by the youth in mining communities and to call for equitable resource distribution.