A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), P.K. Sarpong, has called on the Minister for Communications, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, to shut down Onua TV, a television station owned by Media General.



His demand follows allegations that the station's popular broadcaster, Captain Smart, played a role in inciting violence at the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi, which resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals.



In a Facebook post on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, P.K. Sarpong criticized Samuel George’s decision to close down some radio stations while leaving Onua TV untouched. He argued that if the government was serious about sanitizing the airwaves, then Onua TV should also face sanctions for broadcasting content that could destabilize the nation.



Recently, tensions escalated at the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi when a group of about 60 illegal miners allegedly breached the company’s security. The military, deployed to protect the site, engaged in a shootout with the miners, leading to several deaths and injuries.





In his Facebook post, P.K. Sarpong reminded Samuel George that he had closed down seven radio stations for allegedly failing to operate in the interest of the state. However, he questioned why Onua TV, which he believes has been involved in more dangerous broadcasts, was still operating.



“You have closed down seven radio stations and want us to clap for you? One of your reasons for the closures is that some of them are not churning out content in the interest of the state,” Sarpong wrote.



He further accused Samuel George of bias, suggesting that Onua TV was being spared because it supported the ruling party.



“You are a hypocrite. Captain Smart has been doing worse things on Onua TV, and since they favored your party, you see no reason why that station should be closed down,” he stated.

P.K. Sarpong insisted that the government must take action against Onua TV if it wants to be fair in its media regulations. He argued that failing to close down Onua TV while shutting down smaller radio stations was unjust.



“Go and close down Onua TV, and we shall all support you in this decision to sanitize our airwaves,” he demanded.



This comes after the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to shut down seven radio stations. Six of them were closed for operating without valid licenses, while one, Gumah FM in Bawku, was shut down due to national security concerns.



The government says the affected stations failed to renew their licenses or meet legal requirements. The Minister warned that more actions will be taken to ensure all media houses follow broadcasting laws.