Captain Smart
Hubtel, a leading Ghanaian payment services provider, has officially demanded a public retraction and apology from Media General and its Onua Maakye host, Godsbrain Kwadwo Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, or face legal action.
The demand follows allegations aired on the Onua Maakye show that an amount of $25 million was transferred from the accounts of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to Hubtel’s account for use in political campaign activities associated with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
On November 21, 2024, during his morning show on Onua TV, Captain Smart claimed that the government had directed the former Managing Director of ECG, Samuel Dubik Mahama, to facilitate the transfer of $25 million from ECG’s account to Hubtel.
He further claimed that Mr. Mahama’s refusal to comply with this directive led to his removal from office.
Captain Smart also alleged that the funds were eventually transferred to Hubtel and withdrawn to finance the political campaign of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Without providing any evidence, Captain Smart questioned the ownership of Hubtel, suggesting a link between the company and Dr. Bawumia.
Clips of the show were later shared widely on social media by various vloggers, amplifying the baseless allegations.
Lawyers for Hubtel, Beyuo and Co, on November 26, 2024, issued a letter addressed to Media General and Captain Smart, categorically denying all allegations, describing them as false, malicious, and defamatory.
“Our client maintains that not only are the said statements by Captain Smart false, but also, they were maliciously published by him without any knowledge or evidence that they are true,” the letter read.
Hubtel strongly refuted the claims, emphasising that it has no political affiliations, and that Vice President Dr. Bawumia holds no legal or beneficial interest in the company.
Hubtel’s lawyers argued that the allegations tarnish the company’s reputation by suggesting that it is corrupt as it has engaged or is engaging in the embezzlement, misappropriation or diversion of public funds.
The letter stated that the claims also suggest that the company has aided and abetted public officials to embezzle, misappropriate or divert public funds.
The company described these claims as baseless and designed to unjustifiably damage its standing among stakeholders, clients, and the general public.
Apology
Hubtel is, therefore, demanding a public retraction of the defamatory statements on the same Onua Maakye platform where the allegations were made.
It also wants a written apology from Captain Smart and Media General within seven days of receiving the letter.
It also wants the archiving of the apology letter on Media General’s website for public access, adding that the wording of the apology must be mutually agreed upon by both parties prior to publication.
Legal Action
The letter said should Media General and Captain Smart fail to comply with these demands within seven days, Hubtel has indicated its intention to pursue legal action.
The company asserts that the defamatory statements have caused “serious and irreparable damage” to its reputation and could lead to further consequences if not addressed.
Hubtel, a trusted name in Ghana’s technology and fintech sector, has built its reputation over the past 19 years as a leader in digital services and payment systems.
The allegations, however, have cast a shadow over the company, prompting swift action to protect its integrity.
The company’s lawyers emphasised that such baseless accusations, if left unchallenged, could undermine trust in its operations and erode public confidence in the broader fintech ecosystem.
Hubtel has reiterated its commitment to transparency and integrity, assuring its customers and partners that the allegations are entirely unfounded.
The company hopes the swift resolution of this matter will reinforce public confidence in its operations.
A Daily Guide Report