Nana Kwame Bediako
Nana Kwame Bediako, nicknamed Cheddar, also known as Freedom Jacob Caesar, an entrepreneur and real estate developer, has stated that he is the driving force behind the political movement called the New Force.
Speaking to the media in Accra on January 7, 2024, Cheddar indicated that he had been forced to unveil his identity as the man in the mask on billboards placed at vantage points across the country.
The 43-year-old man, who was flanked by Peter Obi of Nigeria, PLO Lumumba of Kenya, and Zimbabwe’s Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, asserted that he was “nothing to be scared of.”
“I came to you as your salvation. I don’t invest in myself alone. I am investing in you,” Cheddar stated.
He had brought the three Pan-Africanists to Ghana to speak at a public lecture called, “The Convention” organised by the New Africa Foundation.
The event, which was supposed to take place at Black Star Square in Accra, was canceled at the last minute owing to an unexpected national assignment.
Cheddar stated that he intended for his absence to be noticed by Ghanaians, prompting a hunt for him before he revealed himself.
Cheddar has gained a reputation as a successful entrepreneur and real estate developer in Ghana. While the cancellation of his programme disappointed some who had planned to attend, it was stated that the decision was made in the nation’s interest.
Accusations have been flying since the Diaspora Affairs Directorate at the Office of the President prohibited the New Africa Foundation from holding its Pan-African event.
The organisers said that despite gaining approval in November 2023, the government forced them to abandon the programme at the last minute.
To clarify the situation, H.M. Wood, Chief Director at the Office of the President, wrote to Dr. Nadia Adongo Fynn, Deputy Director of the Diaspora Affairs Directorate at the Office of the President, explaining the reasons for the cancellation.
According to Wood, the decision was made in response to an unplanned state event booked at the same location.
In the statement, the Chief Director states, “We write to revoke immediately the permission granted per our letter, No. OP/PH/02 dated November 11, 2023, which approved your request to use the Black Star Square for the above event.”
“This decision has been necessitated by an unforeseen state event scheduled to take place at the venue,” it added.
By Vincent Kubi