Captain Smart
The recent clash in Obuasi, which resulted in the deaths of seven illegal miners, has sparked significant controversy surrounding media personality Captain Smart. An old video of him urging local miners to confront AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) has resurfaced, drawing intense criticism.
In the video, Captain Smart passionately called on the youth of Obuasi to take action against AGA. He accused the company of denying locals their rights, saying, “When you get up, storm there. Everyone should go and look for what to eat when you are hungry.” His fervent remarks seemed to encourage illegal mining and confrontations with the military, which has been deployed to protect the mines.
The incident in question occurred on January 18, 2025, when a group of around 60 illegal miners allegedly breached AGA’s security and attempted to access restricted areas of the mine. According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, the soldiers on duty were fired upon by the miners, who were armed with various weapons. In response, the soldiers engaged in self-defense, leading to the tragic loss of life.
Critics are now pointing fingers at Captain Smart, suggesting that his earlier statements may have incited the miners to take drastic actions. Social media is rife with comments blaming him for contributing to the violence. Many users express concern that his rhetoric could have serious repercussions, drawing parallels with past events in other countries where incitement led to chaos.
In the wake of the incident, the Ghanaian government has expressed deep regret over the loss of lives and has ordered an investigation. This tragic event highlights the complexities surrounding illegal mining in Ghana, as well as the role of media figures like Captain Smart in shaping public opinion and action.
Watch what he said here:
