Western North NPP demands apology from Captain Smart over 'useless' region

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Western North Regional branch has asked broadcast journalist, Blessed Godsbrain Smart aka Captain Smart to render an unreserved apology to the people of the region for describing the region as “useless”.

The outspoken broadcaster is said to have made ethnocentric comments on his show on Onua FM describing the Western North Region as the most useless region created by President Akufo-Addo.

The Western North Regional Branch of the NPP in a statement signed by its Regional Chairman, Benjamin Armah condemned the comments by Captain Smart urging “the citizens and inhabitants to speak up against any comments or actions that seeks to harm the image and reputation of the region.”

It added that “Onua FM exists to educate and inform its listeners, and therefore, statements of this nature only serve to harm the brand and reputation of the station. We believe that the station’s owners should be concerned about this situation.”

The statement further urged all good citizens of the region not to play the ostrich but rather condemn this unfortunate comment irrespective of their political persuasion, or tribe. saying “Western North is the only region we have, let us guard its reputation religiously.”

Below is the full statement

RE: RESPONSE TO THE UNFORTUNATE COMMENT MADE BY CAPTAIN SMART
AND HIS ONUA FM MORNING SHOW CREW.

We have taken note of the regrettable statement made by Godsbrain Smart, also known as
Captain Smart, of Onua FM, where he described the Western North Region as “USELESS.”

1. This statement has elicited strong reactions from various stakeholders in the region, and
our esteemed paramount chiefs have taken the lead in calming the situation.

2. It is disappointing that despite his name, Captain Smart has not shown the intelligence
one would expect by apologizing for his words.

3. As members of the NPP, we stand in solidarity with the Chiefs and the good people of
the Western North Region in condemning Captain Smart’s statement. It is important to
note that Captain Smart claims to possess knowledge ranging from archaeology to
zoology, yet he has displayed a lack of wisdom in this instance.

4. The people and the chiefdoms of the Western North Region are far from “useless.” Since
the creation of the region, the northern part of the former Western Region has witnessed
significant development projects that would have otherwise been overlooked.

5. The region boasts prominent individuals, including the President of the House of Chiefs,
the Minister for Environment Science and Technology, the Executive Secretary to the
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Renowned Academics, Council of State
Members, Board Members of both Private and Public Organizations Accomplished
Businessmen, and more. Such a region, which has produced such accomplished
individuals, cannot be labeled as “USELESS.” The person making such a statement must
be under the influence of an intoxicating substance.

6. While we acknowledge that no region is above reproach, if criticism is to be offered, it
should be done in a manner that does not tarnish the image and reputation of all the
region’s citizens and inhabitants.

7. We fought hard for the creation of this region, and we will not allow anyone, regardless
of their status, gender, age, or profession, to insult us in any manner or form.

8. We urge citizens and inhabitants to speak up against any comments or actions that seeks to harm the image and reputation of the region.

9. Through this statement, we call on Godsbrain Smart and the Onua FM morning show
crew to offer an unreserved apology to us.

10.Onua FM exists to educate and inform its listeners, and therefore, statements of this
nature only serve to harm the brand and reputation of the station. We believe that the
station’s owners should be concerned about this situation.

11.Captain Smart and his crew should always remember that no matter how tall an iroko
tree may be, it can never touch the sky.

We urge all good citizens of the region not to play the ostrich but rather condemn this
unfortunate comment irrespective of our political suasion, or tribe. Western North is the only region we have, let us guard its reputation religiously.

Thank you.
….Signed….
Hon Benjamin Armah
Regional Chairman