Leading Ghanaian payment services provider, Hubtel, has formally demanded a public retraction and apology from Media General and Onua Maakye host, Godsbrain Kwadwo Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, following defamatory statements made on his show.
The demand comes after Captain Smart’s allegations on November 21, 2024, that a $25 million transfer from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) was directed to Hubtel’s account for use in political campaign activities linked to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
During the show, Captain Smart claimed that the government had instructed the former Managing Director of ECG, Samuel Dubik Mahama, to facilitate the transfer of the funds, and when Mr. Mahama refused, he was removed from office.
The presenter went on to suggest that the money was eventually transferred to Hubtel and used to finance Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, though no evidence was presented to support these allegations.
In response, Hubtel’s legal team, Beyuo and Co., issued a letter on November 26, 2024, to Media General and Captain Smart, vehemently denying the claims.
The letter described the statements as “false, malicious, and defamatory,” adding that Captain Smart’s remarks were made without any factual basis.
The company also refuted claims of any political ties to Dr. Bawumia, emphasizing that the Vice President holds no ownership interest in Hubtel.
Hubtel’s lawyers outlined the serious consequences of the defamatory statements, accusing Captain Smart of insinuating that the company had engaged in criminal activities such as embezzling public funds or assisting in the diversion of state resources.
The company emphasized that these baseless accusations have damaged its reputation and could harm its relationships with stakeholders, clients, and the public.
