Hubtel demands retraction from Captain Smart and Media General

Hubtel, a leading Ghanaian payment services, has officially demanded a public retraction and apology from Media General and its Onua Maakye host, Godsbrain Kwadwo Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart.

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.

According to Captain Smart, Mr. Mahama’s refusal to comply with this directive led to his removal from office. He further alleged that the funds were eventually transferred to Hubtel and withdrawn to finance the political campaign of Vice President Dr.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.

In response, lawyers for Hubtel, Beyuo and Co, issued a letter dated November 26, 2024, addressed to Media General and Captain Smart. The letter categorically denied 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, emphasizing 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:

a. it is corrupt as it has engaged or is engaging in the embezzlement, misappropriation or diversion of public funds;

b. it is engaged in criminal activity in the embezzlement, misappropriation or diversion of public funds; and

c. it has aided and abetted public officials to embezzle, misappropriate or divert public funds;

d. it has assisted His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to divert public funds.

The company described these claims as baseless and designed to unjustifiably damage its standing among stakeholders, clients, and the general public.

Demands for Retraction and Apology

Hubtel has outlined clear demands to Media General and Captain Smart, including:

1. A public retraction of the defamatory statements on the same Onua Maakye platform where the allegations were made

2. A written apology from Captain Smart and Media General within seven days of receiving the letter

3. Archiving of the apology letter on Media General’s website for public access

Additionally, the wording of the apology must be mutually agreed upon by both parties prior to publication.

Additional Legal Action

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 emphasized that such baseless accusations, if left unchallenged, could undermine trust in its operations and erode public confidence in the broader fintech ecosystem.

This controversy comes at a time when Ghana’s political landscape is highly charged ahead of the 2024 general elections. Allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds are not uncommon, but Hubtel’s case highlights the risks indigenous companies face when dragged into politically motivated controversies.

For Media General, the issue underscores the importance of responsible journalism and fact-checking, especially when dealing with sensitive topics that can have far-reaching implications.

As of now, neither Media General nor Captain Smart has publicly responded to Hubtel’s demands. The coming days will determine whether an amicable resolution can be reached or if the matter will escalate to a legal battle.

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.